Alaska [US], July 21 (ANI): An earthquake of magnitude 6.2 struck Alaska on Monday, the National Center for Seismology (NCS) said in a statement.
According to the NCS, the earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 48 km, which increases its susceptibility to aftershocks. In a post on X, the NCS noted, “EQ of M: 6.2, On: 21/07/2025 03:58:02 IST, Lat: 54.99 N, Long: 159.98 W, Depth: 48 Km, Location: Alaska Peninsula.”
Earlier, on July 17, a stronger earthquake measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale rattled the region. That quake also struck at a shallow depth of 36 km, raising similar concerns about aftershocks. The NCS reported at the time, “EQ of M: 7.3, On: 17/07/2025 02:07:42 IST, Lat: 54.91 N, Long: 160.56 W, Depth: 36 Km, Location: Alaska Peninsula.”
Seismologists note that shallow earthquakes tend to be more dangerous than deeper ones because seismic waves travel a shorter distance to the surface, producing stronger ground shaking and potentially more damage and casualties.
Following the July 17 quake, the US Tsunami Warning System issued a tsunami warning for parts of coastal Alaska, according to The New York Times. A tsunami warning is the highest level of alert from the National Weather Service, advising residents to move to higher ground or inland. A tsunami advisory instructs people to avoid beaches and coastal waters, while a tsunami watch means experts are still evaluating the threat.
The Alaska-Aleutian subduction system is among the most seismically active regions in the world, having produced more earthquakes of magnitude 8 or greater over the past century than any other. The region is also prone to tsunamis triggered by earthquakes as well as coastal and submarine landslides. It is home to over 130 volcanoes and volcanic fields, including more than three-quarters of US volcanoes that have erupted in the past two centuries. (ANI)
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