M 4.9 Light Earthquake Strikes 70 km SW of Atka, Alaska
A magnitude 4.9 earthquake occurred near Atka, Alaska, on March 1, 2026. The intermediate-depth event was recorded at 54.52 km below the surface with no tsunami threat.
What Happened
A light earthquake with a magnitude of 4.9 mb was recorded on March 1, 2026, at 05:17:54 UTC. The seismic event occurred at a depth of 54.52 km and has been reviewed by seismologists.
Location Details
The earthquake’s epicenter was situated at coordinates 51.7376°N, 174.9027°W, approximately 70 km southwest of Atka, Alaska. At a depth of 54.52 km, this is classified as an intermediate-depth earthquake. Intermediate earthquakes (20-70km) typically cause less surface damage than shallower events but can be felt over a wider area.
Impact Assessment
As of the latest report, there are no felt reports associated with this event. No tsunami advisory, watch, or warning has been issued (tsunami status: 0). The USGS recorded a Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) of 3.126, which corresponds to light shaking. No alert level color was assigned to this event.
What You Should Know
Earthquakes with magnitudes between 4.0 and 4.9 are classified as “light.” While they are frequently felt and can cause noticeable shaking, they rarely result in significant structural damage. Residents in the Aleutian Islands region should remain aware of the possibility of aftershocks, which are common following an event of this size.
Source
Data and attribution provided by the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program.
Source: USGS Official Notice