Early on Thanksgiving morning, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake shook an area northwest of Anchorage, Alaska, drawing attention from both emergency teams and insurers. The quake struck just after 8 a.m. near Susitna, roughly 37 miles away from Alaska’s biggest city. Although no major damage or injuries have been reported, the shaking was felt across the state, even as far as Fairbanks, about 350 miles away.
The earthquake’s depth, around 43 miles below the surface, helped spread the tremors over a wide area. The epicenter was pinpointed 26 miles southwest of Willow, affecting communities and key locations within 30 to 50 miles, including military bases and towns near Cook Inlet.
Officials say there’s no tsunami threat from this event. The Alaska Department of Transportation is inspecting roads, tunnels, and other infrastructure as a routine safety step after such quakes. Meanwhile, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) warns that aftershocks are likely. There’s a 28% chance one or more aftershocks could be magnitude 5 or higher in the next week, with smaller tremors almost guaranteed.
Southern Alaska sits where several tectonic plates meet, making earthquakes fairly common. This area has seen big quakes before, including the massive 1964 event and more recently a costly 2018 quake in Anchorage. That earthquake caused significant damage worth millions and disrupted schools, utilities, and roads. Still, many homeowners don’t have earthquake insurance, mainly because coverage can be expensive and demanding, unlike in states like California where special insurance programs exist.
Most past earthquakes in the region offshore or in remote areas have caused little to no insured losses since they did not affect populated places. But because Alaska experiences thousands of earthquakes every year, insurers face challenges in planning and managing claims, especially with fewer people insured and the chance of multiple aftershocks.
While the recent quake did not cause immediate widespread problems, its location in a busy corridor means insurers and officials will be watching closely. Ongoing inspections and reports from residents will help them understand any damage. With winter on the way, responding to any issues might be tougher due to weather and slower repair work.
For now, no serious disruptions have been reported. But the event serves as a reminder that earthquakes remain a constant presence in Alaska, keeping emergency crews and insurance companies alert.