M 3.5 Earthquake Recorded 255 km SE of Chiniak, Alaska

What Happened

A minor earthquake with a magnitude of 3.5 ml occurred on March 12, 2026, at 14:36:11 UTC. The seismic event was centered approximately 255 km southeast of Chiniak, Alaska. The earthquake has been reviewed by seismologists at the USGS.

Location Details

The earthquake’s coordinates were recorded at 55.989°N and 149.313°W. The event originated at a depth of 10 kilometers. This is classified as a shallow earthquake; seismic events occurring at depths of less than 20 kilometers are typically more likely to be felt by those in the immediate vicinity than deeper events, though the remote offshore location limits potential impact.

Impact Assessment

At this time, there have been no felt reports submitted to the USGS regarding this event. No tsunami advisory, watch, or warning has been issued. Given the magnitude and location, no damage or injuries are expected.

What You Should Know

Earthquakes with magnitudes between 2.5 and 3.9 are classified as minor. While they are routine geological events in seismically active regions like Alaska, they are often felt but rarely cause damage. Residents are reminded that aftershocks are a possibility following any seismic event, though they are typically smaller than the initial quake.

Source

Data provided by the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program.