M 3.4 Earthquake Recorded 68 km South of Kaktovik, Alaska
A minor 3.4 magnitude earthquake occurred south of Kaktovik, Alaska, on March 19, 2026. The shallow event was recorded at a depth of 5 kilometers.
What Happened
A minor earthquake with a magnitude of 3.4 ml was recorded 68 km south of Kaktovik, Alaska. The seismic event occurred on March 19, 2026, at 01:53:21 UTC (local time varies by zone).
Location Details
The earthquake was centered at coordinates 69.523°N and 143.434°W. The event was located at a depth of 5 kilometers. This is considered a shallow earthquake; seismic events occurring at depths less than 20 kilometers are typically more noticeable to those in the immediate vicinity of the epicenter.
Impact Assessment
There is currently no tsunami advisory, watch, or warning in effect for this event. The USGS reported a Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) of 3.297. At the time of this report, no felt reports have been submitted by the public, and there are no reports of damage or injuries associated with this routine seismic activity.
What You Should Know
Earthquakes with magnitudes between 2.5 and 3.9 are classified as minor. While these events are often felt by people near the epicenter, they rarely cause damage to buildings or infrastructure. Residents in the region should be aware 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.
Source: USGS Official Notice