Strong M6.2 earthquake hits near Sand Point days after M7.3, Alaska
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.2 hit south of Sand Point, Alaska at 22:28 UTC on July 20, 2025. The agency is reporting a depth of 47.3 km (29 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth. The quake hit four days after powerful M7.3 struck the same region, triggering a Tsunami Warning.
Epicenter of M6.2 earthquake near Sand Point, Alaska on July 20, 2025. Credit: TW/SAM, Google
The epicenter was located 81 km (50 miles) SSE of Sand Point (population 1 064) and 932 km (580 miles) SW of Anchorage, Alaska.
1 000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking and 2 000 weak.
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.
There is no tsunami threat from this earthquake.
The quake occurred just 4 days after powerful M7.3 earthquake hit the same region, prompting Tsunami Warning for the Pacific coasts of South Alaska and the Alaska Peninsula, from Kennedy Entrance (approximately 64 km / 40 miles southwest of Homer) to Unimak Pass (approximately 130 km / 80 miles northeast of Unalaska).
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
References:
1 M6.2 earthquake Alaska – USGS – July 20, 2025
2 M6.2 earthquake Alaska – EMSC – July 20, 2025
I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers.news.
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules.