Pelican, Alaska – A magnitude 3.9 earthquake struck just off the coast of Southeast Alaska late Friday evening, prompting brief shaking across remote coastal communities but no immediate reports of damage.
According to the Alaska Earthquake Center, the quake hit at 2:04 p.m. Alaska time, about 23 kilometers west-southwest of Pelican at a depth of 11.8 kilometers. The event registered as light intensity on community shake maps, with limited responses from residents in the sparsely populated region.
Small earthquakes like this are common along Alaska’s active tectonic boundary, where the Pacific Plate meets the North American Plate. Coastal towns including Pelican and nearby fishing areas may have felt a quick jolt, but infrastructure impacts are unlikely at this magnitude.
Emergency management officials have not issued any advisories, and no tsunami risk was associated with the event. Still, residents are encouraged to review earthquake safety plans, especially in isolated areas where response times can be longer.
Seismic monitoring continues across the region, and additional minor aftershocks remain possible through the overnight hours.
