Beluga, Alaska – A magnitude 3.5 earthquake was recorded Wednesday evening in Southcentral Alaska, striking approximately 13 kilometers west-northwest of Beluga, according to seismologists.
According to the Alaska Earthquake Center, the quake occurred at 6:26 p.m. UTC (9:26 a.m. Alaska time) and originated at a depth of about 78.8 kilometers, placing it well below the surface. Earthquakes at this depth are often felt more broadly but tend to cause little to no damage at ground level.
The epicenter was located beneath the Cook Inlet region, west of Anchorage and north of the Kenai Peninsula, an area that regularly experiences seismic activity due to Alaska’s complex tectonic boundaries. Initial monitoring data showed no immediate reports of injuries, damage, or service disruptions.
Because of the quake’s moderate depth and relatively low magnitude, shaking—if felt at all—was likely brief and light in nearby communities, including Beluga, Tyonek, and parts of the Anchorage Bowl. The Alaska Earthquake Center encourages residents who felt the shaking to submit a “Did You Feel It?” report to help scientists better understand how the quake was experienced across the region.
Seismologists note that small earthquakes are common in Southcentral Alaska and do not typically indicate a larger event is imminent. However, Alaska remains one of the most seismically active regions in the world, making ongoing monitoring critical.
Residents are reminded to stay familiar with basic earthquake safety practices and to follow updates from official sources if additional seismic activity is detected.
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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