Magnitude 7.0 earthquake Strikes alaska, Triggering aftershock Concerns
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA – A powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Alaska late Friday, December 6, 2025, rattling communities across a wide area and prompting assessments for potential damage. The quake, centered approximately 8 miles north of Newhalen, Alaska, occurred at 21:18:48 UTC (3:18 PM AKST) at a depth of 33.5 miles, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
While initial reports indicate no widespread catastrophic damage, the earthquake’s magnitude raises concerns about potential landslides and impacts to infrastructure in the affected region. Authorities are currently working to assess the full extent of the damage, and residents are bracing for a series of aftershocks. Earthquakes of this magnitude – 7.0 to 7.9 – are classified as “major” and are capable of causing serious damage over a broad area.
USGS Geophysicist paul Holland stated that aftershocks are expected to ”remain quite numerous” in the coming days and weeks,and cautioned there is a ”very small chance” of a larger earthquake occurring within the sequence. Officials are urging residents to be prepared for continued shaking.
Currently, no tsunami warnings or watches have been issued.The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Governance (NOAA), through the National Weather Service and the national Tsunami Center, confirmed that a tsunami is “NOT expected” following the earthquake.
Understanding Earthquake Magnitude
Earthquake magnitude is a measure of the energy released during an earthquake, officially calculated using the moment magnitude scale. this is a logarithmic scale, meaning each whole number increase represents a tenfold increase in strength. For example, a 5.0 magnitude earthquake is ten times stronger than a 4.0 magnitude earthquake.
Hear’s a general guide to the effects of different earthquake magnitudes, according to Michigan Technological University:
* Below 2.5: Generally not felt.
* 2.5 to 5.4: Minor or no damage.
* 5.5 to 6.0: Slight damage to buildings.
* 6.1 to 6.9: Serious damage.
* 7.0 to 7.9: major earthquake. Serious damage.
* 8.0 or greater: Massive damage, can destroy communities.
Contributing: Elizabeth Weise,USA TODAY
