Palmer, AK – The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center in Palmer, Alaska, confirmed there is no tsunami danger following a magnitude 5.1 earthquake that struck south of Akutan early Friday morning, October 17.
According to the center, the quake occurred at 7:49 a.m. AKDT (1549 UTC) about 55 miles southeast of Dutch Harbor and 485 miles east of Adak, at a depth of roughly 52 miles beneath the ocean floor. Despite the quake’s strength, its depth and offshore location meant no tsunami was generated.
“There is no tsunami danger from this earthquake,” the agency stated in an official information bulletin. The statement emphasized that no coastal alerts, watches, or advisories were issued, and that further updates will be provided only if new seismic data becomes available.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) classified the quake as magnitude 5.1, centered roughly 62 kilometers south of Akutan in the Aleutian Islands. The tremor was lightly felt across nearby island communities, but there have been no reports of damage or injuries.
While Alaska frequently experiences undersea earthquakes, only certain shallow and high-magnitude events have the potential to generate tsunamis. Officials urge residents in coastal regions to remain aware of evacuation routes and stay prepared during seismic events.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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