McCarthy, Alaska – A magnitude 3.6 earthquake struck south of McCarthy on Thursday Morning in Alaska.
According to the Alaska Earthquake Center, the quake was recorded at 4:49 a.m. UTC. The epicenter was located approximately 81 kilometers (about 50 miles) south of McCarthy at a depth of 0.4 kilometers, indicating a very shallow event.
Seismologists classified the review status as automatic, meaning the data was generated by seismic monitoring systems and may be subject to further analysis. No immediate reports of damage or injuries were released.
A shallow depth can sometimes increase the likelihood of light surface shaking, though earthquakes of this magnitude typically cause minimal impact, particularly in remote areas. The region south of McCarthy is sparsely populated, with limited infrastructure compared to larger Alaska communities.
McCarthy is located within the Copper River Census Area and sits near Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve, a region known for active fault systems and frequent low-to-moderate seismic activity.
Small earthquakes are common across Alaska, which is one of the most seismically active states in the United States. Most events under magnitude 4.0 are not widely felt and rarely result in structural damage.
The update may be of interest to bush pilots, park visitors and seasonal workers operating in remote areas near the epicenter.
Officials have not issued any alerts related to the event. Monitoring continues through statewide seismic networks.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
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