Strong M 6.5 Earthquake Strikes Near Attu Station, Alaska; Tsunami Advisory Issued

What Happened

A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.5 (Mi) was recorded on March 4, 2026, at 17:54:37 UTC. The seismic event occurred approximately 219 km east-southeast of Attu Station, Alaska. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake struck at a depth of 42 kilometers.

Location Details

The epicenter was located at coordinates 52.0°N and 176.1°E. The depth of 42 km classifies this as an intermediate-depth earthquake, as it occurred between 20 and 70 km below the surface. The event was centered in the Aleutian Islands region, a seismically active area of the North Pacific.

Impact Assessment

The earthquake reached a Maximum Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) of 5.153, which corresponds to moderate shaking. Notably, the event data indicates a tsunami advisory status (tsunami: 1), suggesting that coastal residents should remain alert to local emergency instructions. While the magnitude is significant, the remote location of the epicenter may limit the impact on populated infrastructure.

What You Should Know

A magnitude 6.5 event is classified as a “strong earthquake,” which can be destructive in populated areas. Residents in the Aleutian region should be prepared for the possibility of aftershocks. In the event of further shaking, safety officials recommend that individuals “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.”

Source

Information provided by the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program.