Nanwalek, Alaska – A small earthquake was detected off Alaska’s southwest coast Wednesday morning, registering a magnitude 3.0 and centered several miles west-southwest of Nanwalek, according to preliminary data.
According to the Alaska Earthquake Center, the quake occurred Wednesday evening and was located about 8 kilometers west-southwest of Nanwalek at a depth of roughly 55 kilometers. The event was automatically reviewed and classified as minor, with no tsunami threat issued and no immediate reports of damage or injuries.
Shallow communities along the southern Kenai Peninsula, including Nanwalek, Port Graham, and nearby coastal villages, are no strangers to frequent low-level seismic activity. At this depth, shaking is typically weak or not felt at the surface, especially in sparsely populated areas. Emergency managers in the region did not issue advisories, and no infrastructure impacts were reported.
Transportation corridors, including local roads and marine routes in lower Cook Inlet, were not affected. Utilities and communications systems across the region continued operating normally following the tremor.
While small earthquakes like this are common in southern Alaska, officials encourage residents to remain prepared. Emergency agencies recommend securing heavy items, reviewing earthquake safety plans, and staying informed through official alerts.
Seismologists will continue monitoring the area for any aftershocks, though none are expected. Additional updates will be issued if seismic activity increases.
