Strong and shallow M6.1 earthquake hits Fox Islands, Aleutian Islands, Alaska
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 struck near Nikolski, Alaska, at 05:11 UTC on February 23, 2026. The agency is reporting a depth of 14 km (8.7 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.1 at a depth of 25 km (15 miles).
Epicenter of M6.1 earthquake in Fox Islands, Aleutian Islands, Alaska, United States on February 23, 2026. Credit: TW/SAM, Google
The epicenter was located 93 km (58 miles) SW of Nikolski (population 18) and 1 547 km (961 miles) SSE of Anadyr (population 15 604), Alaska, United States.
There is no tsunami threat 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.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Regional seismicity
References:
1 M6.1 earthquake Fox Islands, Aleutian Islands – USGS – February 23, 2026
2 M6.1 earthquake Fox Islands, Aleutian Islands – EMSC – February 23, 2026
3 M6.1 earthquake Fox Islands, Aleutian Islands – PTWC – February 23, 2026
Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.
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