In brief
A moderate earthquake struck the southern Alaska region at 02:35 GMT on Friday. The GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences confirmed a 5.0 mag event at a shallow depth of 10 km near 53.69°N, 162.81°W. The World Earthquake Report notes weak surface shaking in several California towns, but further confirmation is pending.
A 5.0‑magnitude earthquake struck the southern Alaska region earlier today, its epicenter located at 53.69 degrees north latitude and 162.81 degrees west longitude, with a shallow depth of 10 km, the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences reported.
The German center said the quake jolted the area at 02:35 GMT on Friday, which translates to 10:26 p.m. in Pacific time, when the quake was first cataloged by the GFZ and the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre.
According to a primary data source cited by the World Earthquake Report, the event produced only weak shaking in Arcata, Garberville, and McKinleyville, California. Those observers also reported that small tremors were felt in neighboring inland communities, but no damage has been reported to date.
While the GFZ confirms the main parameters of the quake, the reported surface effects in California remain unconfirmed and are still being evaluated by local authorities. Further damage assessments are pending, and authorities will issue updates as more observations become available.
At this time, no aftershocks have been publicly recorded, and authorities in Alaska and California have not issued any emergency alerts. Residents in the region are encouraged to stay aware of any local advisories and remain prepared for possible seismic activity.