Magnitude 5.6 earthquake — Lake Minchumina, Alaska
A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck near Lake Minchumina, Alaska at a depth of about 5 km. Details, shaking intensity and any tsunami information are on the USGS event page.
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Alaska sits where several parts of Earth’s outer shell meet and move, making it one of the most earthquake-prone parts of the United States. Earthquakes happen when built-up pressure is released as these large sections shift.
Lake Minchumina is a small community in Alaska’s interior, far from the coast. The effects of an earthquake depend on its strength, depth and distance from people and buildings.
The US Geological Survey records earthquakes and estimates their location and strength. Its reports help residents and authorities assess possible impacts, including whether coastal areas need to consider tsunami risks.