Alaska experienced a significant seismic event on Thanksgiving morning when a 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck near Willow, approximately 30 miles outside Anchorage, the state's capital. The powerful quake rattled Southcentral Alaska, sending tremors across the region and prompting immediate concern from residents and emergency officials.
The Main Earthquake
The 6.0 magnitude earthquake hit on Thursday, November 27, 2025, during the early morning hours as many Alaskans were preparing for the holiday. The epicenter was located roughly 37 miles from Anchorage, placing it close enough to be felt throughout the populated Southcentral region. Despite the considerable magnitude,
no damage or injuries were reported following the initial assessment.
This was not an isolated event. The same day also brought a
6.6 magnitude earthquake near Sinabang, Aceh, Indonesia, demonstrating that significant seismic activity was occurring globally on November 27.
Additional Seismic Activity
Alaska's earthquake activity continued beyond the main 6.0 magnitude event. A
2.4 magnitude earthquake struck northwest of Kodiak Island on Thursday evening, November 27, at 7:00 PM local time, with a depth of 51 kilometers. Earlier that same day, a
4.2 magnitude earthquake occurred in the Bering Sea near Amatignak Island in the Aleutian Islands.
In the early morning hours of November 28, a smaller
1.7 magnitude earthquake was recorded near Healy, Alaska, at a depth of 86 kilometers.
Historical Context
While the 6.0 magnitude earthquake was significant, it pales in comparison to Alaska's most devastating seismic event. The
1964 Alaska earthquake, also known as the Great Alaska earthquake or Good Friday earthquake, remains the most powerful earthquake ever recorded in North America with a magnitude of 9.2–9.3. That catastrophic event lasted four minutes and thirty-eight seconds and caused approximately 139 deaths, with much of the damage resulting from subsequent tsunamis that reached heights of up to 220 feet.
What This Means
The recent 6.0 magnitude earthquake serves as a reminder of Alaska's position along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic activity is common. The fact that no injuries or significant damage occurred from this latest event reflects both improved building standards and the fortunate location of the epicenter away from densely populated areas. Residents and emergency management officials will continue monitoring seismic activity in the region.
1.
Earthquake Track - Alaska Earthquakes November 28, 20252.
Wikipedia - 1964 Alaska Earthquake3.
ABC News - Powerful 6.0 Magnitude Earthquake Jolts Anchorage, Alaska4.
Volcano Discovery - Kodiak Island Earthquake5.
Alaska Public - Earthquake Shakes Southcentral on Thanksgiving Morning**
Sources
1. 1.7 magnitude earthquake near Healy, Alaska, United States
2. 1964 Alaska earthquake
3. Video Powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake jolts Anchorage, Alaska
4. Mag. 2.4 quake - 49 mi northwest of Kodiak, Kodiak Island Borough ...
5. Earthquake shakes Southcentral on Thanksgiving morning
6. Moderate mag. 4.2 earthquake - Bering Sea, 26 mi east of Amatignak Island, Aleutians West Census Area, Alaska, United States, on Thursday, Nov 27, 2025, at 06:32 pm (GMT -10)
