Magnitude 2.9 - 37 miles SE of Akutan

What happened?

On Saturday, May 28, 2023, at 10:39 AM AKDT, a magnitude 2.9 earthquake occurred 37 miles southeast of Akutan, Alaska.

According to the Alaska Earthquake Center, the earthquake was at a depth of 25 miles.

There have been no reports of damage or injuries.

What is an earthquake?

An earthquake is the result of the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves.

Earthquakes can range in intensity from those that are so weak that they cannot be felt to those violent enough to toss people around and destroy whole cities.

The magnitude of an earthquake is measured on the Richter scale, which ranges from 1 to 10.

What causes earthquakes?

The vast majority of earthquakes are caused by the movement of tectonic plates.

Tectonic plates are large pieces of the Earth's crust that are constantly moving.

When two tectonic plates collide, one plate may be forced to move under the other.

This process, known as subduction, can cause the buildup of pressure in the Earth's crust.

When the pressure becomes too great, the rocks in the crust break and an earthquake occurs.

What are the effects of earthquakes?

The effects of an earthquake can range from minor to catastrophic.

Minor earthquakes may only cause shaking that is felt by people.

More powerful earthquakes can cause damage to buildings, roads, and bridges.

The most powerful earthquakes can cause widespread destruction and loss of life.

What should I do if I experience an earthquake?

If you experience an earthquake, the most important thing to do is to stay calm.

If you are indoors, drop to the ground, cover your head and neck, and wait for the shaking to stop.

If you are outdoors, move away from buildings, power lines, and other potential hazards.

Once the shaking has stopped, check yourself and others for injuries.

If you find any injured people, call for help.

How can I prepare for an earthquake?

There are a number of things you can do to prepare for an earthquake.

These include:

• Having a plan for what to do in the event of an earthquake.
• Storing food, water, and other supplies.
• Securing furniture and other objects that could fall.
• Knowing the location of the nearest earthquake shelter.

For more information on earthquake preparedness, please visit the website of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).