New York (The COW News Digital) A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 5.7 struck the U.S. state of Alaska early Friday morning, sending tremors across the southern coastal region and prompting residents to rush out of homes and buildings in panic.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of about 10 kilometers beneath the surface. The epicenter was located near Alaska’s southern coastline, an area known for frequent seismic activity due to its proximity to the Pacific “Ring of Fire.”
Residents across several towns reported intense shaking that lasted several seconds. Emergency services were immediately placed on alert, though no reports of injuries or property damage have been confirmed so far. Authorities have warned of potential aftershocks in the coming hours.
“While the earthquake was moderate in magnitude, the shallow depth amplified the tremors felt on the surface,” said a spokesperson for the Alaska Earthquake Center. “We are closely monitoring the region for aftershock sequences and assessing any structural impact.”
Local emergency management departments advised residents to stay away from coastal zones as a precautionary measure. Although no tsunami warning was issued, officials emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant given Alaska’s vulnerability to seismic and oceanic disturbances.
Witnesses described scenes of anxiety as alarms rang and people hurried to open spaces for safety. “Everything started shaking — windows, shelves, and the floor,” said Anchorage resident Sarah Jensen. “It only lasted a few seconds, but it was strong enough to make everyone run outside.”
Power utilities and transport services reported no major disruptions, and communications networks remained largely unaffected. However, authorities urged citizens to keep emergency kits and flashlights ready in case of further tremors or aftereffects.
Alaska, the most seismically active state in the U.S., experiences thousands of earthquakes annually, though only a few cause significant damage. The state was the site of North America’s most powerful recorded earthquake — a magnitude 9.2 quake in 1964 — which resulted in widespread destruction and a devastating tsunami.
Friday’s quake serves as a stark reminder of Alaska’s position atop one of the world’s most active tectonic boundaries, where the Pacific Plate continues to push beneath the North American Plate.
