A light earthquake with a magnitude of 2.8 struck near Cantwell, Alaska, on Thursday evening. The tremor, which occurred around 11:41 a.m. local time (19:41 UTC), was recorded about 60 kilometers west-northwest of Cantwell at a depth of 14.4 kilometers, as reported by the Alaska Earthquake Center.
The earthquake was automatically detected and classified as minor by both the U.S. Geological Survey and the Alaska Earthquake Center. Fortunately, there have been no reports of damage or injuries, and residents have not submitted “Did You Feel It?” responses indicating that the quake was felt by the local population.
Cantwell, situated in the Denali Borough of central Alaska, often experiences low-magnitude seismic activity due to its location near the Denali Fault system. Other nearby communities, such as Healy and Paxson, occasionally register minor tremors linked to the region’s tectonic movements.
Local officials note that earthquakes with magnitudes below 3.0 generally lack sufficient strength to cause structural damage. However, they play a significant role in understanding seismic patterns throughout Alaska interior. The Alaska Earthquake Center encourages residents who might have felt the quake to report their experiences, as this information is valuable for monitoring seismic activity.
This event highlights the importance of community awareness and preparedness regarding seismic events, reaffirming that even minor earthquakes contribute to the understanding of our planet’s dynamic processes.