Yakutat, AK – Seismic activity ramped up quickly Friday evening in Southeast Alaska as a cluster of three earthquakes — two rated M3.9 and one M3.8 — struck north of Yakutat within a half-hour, creating what geologists classify as a localized earthquake swarm.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Alaska Earthquake Center, the sequence began at 21:35 UTC when a magnitude-3.9 quake struck 97 kilometers north of Yakutat at a depth of 10 kilometers. A second M3.9 earthquake followed just 14 minutes later, centered 97 kilometers north-northwest of the city.
At 22:01 UTC, a third tremor — this time magnitude 3.8 — was recorded 91 kilometers north of Yakutat at a shallower depth of 5 kilometers. As of Friday night, no damage reports or felt responses had been submitted for any of the events.
Earthquake swarms occur when multiple quakes strike the same region over a short timeframe without one being clearly stronger than the others. Specialists note that Southeast Alaska, positioned along the Pacific–North American plate boundary, is no stranger to swarms or moderate seismic clusters. Still, the timing and proximity of Friday’s quakes mark one of the more concentrated bursts of activity in recent months.
While swarms do not necessarily indicate a larger earthquake is imminent, officials encourage residents to stay aware of updates from USGS and the Alaska Earthquake Center in case additional shaking occurs. Preparedness remains key in seismically active areas, including keeping emergency kits stocked and knowing how to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.”
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
