Portland, OR – The Pacific Northwest coast experienced a cluster of earthquakes Wednesday morning, with the strongest — a magnitude 5.4 quake — striking offshore Oregon around 7 a.m. local time, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
The 5.4 quake, centered roughly 100 miles off Oregon’s coast, was recorded at a depth of 10 kilometers. The USGS PAGER system issued a Green Alert, indicating a low likelihood of casualties and minimal economic damage. Current estimates show a 76% probability of no fatalities and a similar 76% chance of less than $1 million in losses.
The offshore activity appears to be part of an earthquake swarm extending north toward Ilwaco, Washington, where a 3.4 magnitude tremor was also recorded. Additional quakes measuring 4.8 and 3.4 struck within minutes of the main event, all occurring along fault lines west of the Cascadia Subduction Zone.
No tsunami warnings have been issued by the U.S. Tsunami Warning System, and there are no current reports of injuries or infrastructure damage along the coast. The USGS aftershock forecast suggests a 6% chance of another quake magnitude 4.0 or greater in the coming week.
Scientists note that while offshore swarms like this are not uncommon, they serve as an important reminder of the seismic potential of the region. Residents along coastal Oregon and Washington are encouraged to review earthquake safety plans and report any felt shaking through the USGS “Did You Feel It?” system.
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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