Chiniak, Alaska – A minor earthquake was recorded Saturday afternoon off the southern coast of Alaska, prompting monitoring by seismologists but no immediate safety concerns for residents.
According to the Alaska Earthquake Center, the magnitude 3.7 earthquake struck 238 kilometers (148 miles) east-southeast of Chiniak, near the Kodiak Island region, at 9:19 a.m. Alaska time (18:19 UTC) on Saturday, January 11. The quake occurred at a depth of approximately 5 kilometers, classifying it as a shallow seismic event.
Shallow earthquakes can sometimes be felt more strongly near the epicenter, but as of Saturday evening, no felt reports had been submitted by residents in Kodiak Island communities or surrounding coastal areas. Officials also confirmed there was no tsunami threat associated with the tremor.
The epicenter was located offshore in the Gulf of Alaska, a region known for frequent seismic activity due to the ongoing interaction between the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate. Alaska experiences thousands of earthquakes each year, most of which are small and cause little to no damage.
Seismologists continue to monitor the area for any aftershocks, though events of this magnitude typically do not result in structural damage or disruptions to daily life.
Residents who believe they felt the quake are encouraged to submit a report through the Alaska Earthquake Center’s online “Did You Feel It?” system, which helps scientists better understand how earthquakes are experienced across the region.
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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