Shallow M6.3 earthquake hits Fox Islands, Alaska

A shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.3 hit the Fox Islands, Alaska at 16:22 UTC on December 1, 2020, at a depth of 23 km (14.3 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.3 at a depth of 54 km (33 miles).

The epicenter was located 40 km (25 miles) E of Nikolski, Alaska.

There are just a few people living within 100 km (62 miles).

3 000 people are estimated to have felt weak shaking.

A tsunami is not expected, NTWC said.

Earthquakes near the Fox Islands in 30 days to December 1, 2020. Image credit: TW/SAM, Google

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.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google