Largest Southcentral earthquake since 2023 hits southwest of Seward

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - A magnitude 5.4 earthquake hit 43 miles southwest of Seward Thursday morning.

The earthquake hit around 9:33 a.m., according to the University of Alaska Fairbanks Earthquake Center. It was felt throughout the Kenai Peninsula and Southcentral.

This is the largest earthquake in Southcentral since March 2023.

Seward Fire Chief Clinton Crites says this was probably the closest earthquake to Seward he’s felt in about eight years, and it could be felt even at the fire department.

“It did shake the building. Then, about 30, 45 seconds later, we had a second point, but it only lasted about 15, 20 seconds. It felt a little stronger,” Crites said. “[It] was kind of shaking us in our chairs, and a couple of our staff were getting in between the door jambs like you’re taught to do, but it only lasted about 15 seconds.”

Luckily, the fire department hasn’t received any reports of damage or injuries, Crites said. In the aftermath of the quake, Crites advises communities in tsunami warning zones to take any warning seriously.

This is a developing story. We will update with more information as it becomes available

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