Shallow M6.5 earthquake, strong aftershocks hit Rat Islands, Aleutian Islands, Alaska

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.5 hit Rat Island, Aleutian Islands, Alaska at 21:35 UTC on April 2, 2019. The agency is reporting a depth of 19.1 km (11.8 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.5 at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles).

The quake was followed by several moderate to strong aftershocks over the next couple of hours – M5.2, M4.7, M4.2, M4.6, M4.2 and M4.2.

The epicenter was located 27 km (17 miles) W of the northern tip of Kiska island, 23 km (14 miles) N of Segula island and 93 km (58 miles) NW of Amchitka.

There are no people living within 100 km (62 miles).

There is no tsunami risk from this earthquake.

The USGS issued a green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage.

Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are resistant to earthquake shaking, though vulnerable structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are unreinforced brick masonry and reinforced masonry construction.

Rat Islands, Alaska earthquakes – April 2 and 3, 2019. Credit: Google, TW/SAM

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: Google, TW/SAM