False Pass, Alaska – A magnitude 3.5 earthquake struck south of False Pass on Saturday afternoon, registering at a shallow depth that briefly rattled parts of the eastern Aleutians but posed no immediate threat to infrastructure.
According to the Alaska Earthquake Center, the quake hit at 9:30 a.m. local time (17:30 UTC), about 143 kilometers south of False Pass at a depth of 5.5 kilometers. Seismic monitors classified the event as minor, with no tsunami warning issued and no initial reports of damage or injuries.
Communities along the Aleutian chain, including Cold Bay and Sand Point, sit in one of the most seismically active zones in the U.S., where frequent low-magnitude earthquakes occur along the Pacific Ring of Fire. While quakes of this size are rarely felt widely, shallow depth can increase the chance of brief shaking near the epicenter.
Emergency officials advise residents to review earthquake safety plans, secure loose household items, and ensure emergency kits remain stocked. Even minor quakes can serve as reminders to stay prepared in Alaska’s active seismic region.
Seismic activity remains under routine monitoring, and additional updates will be issued if stronger aftershocks develop through the weekend.
