Alaska Faces Growing Uncertainty as 4.7 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near Anchorage While Mount Spurr Shows Signs of Eruption

A recent earthquake measuring 4.7 in magnitude struck Alaska, hitting just miles from a city already on edge due to concerns about a potential volcanic eruption.

The quake occurred near Hope at 12:03 AM local time (4:03 AM ET), and the tremor was felt across the region, especially in Anchorage, which lies about 33 miles to the north.

Residents of Anchorage, including those 78 miles away from Mount Spurr, reported feeling light shaking, adding to the growing unease.

Mount Spurr’s Threat Adds to Tension

Anchorage, situated within a seismically active area known as the Alaska-Aleutian subduction system, is currently on high alert.

Mount Spurr, a nearby active volcano, has shown signs of unrest with elevated seismic activity and increased gas emissions.

Just a short time before the earthquake, the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) reported frequent small volcanic earthquakes beneath the volcano.

Although these tremors were too small to pinpoint, they add to the overall sense of uncertainty in the region.

Local residents, aware of the ongoing volcanic threats, have been advised to stay alert for aftershocks and follow emergency guidance.

This 4.7 magnitude earthquake is the fifth in the past 11 days to hit Alaska’s South-Central region, continuing a trend of frequent seismic activity in the area.

In addition, the US Geological Survey noted at least five subsequent smaller earthquakes, with magnitudes ranging from 1.1 to 2.0, which were too minor to cause any noticeable shaking.

The Earthquake’s Impact: Minor But Felt

While the tremor itself did not cause significant damage or injuries, it did prompt several Anchorage residents to share their experiences on social media.

One person described hearing the building creak before feeling the shake and rolling motion.

Another remarked, “Felt that one!” on X (formerly Twitter).

Despite the strong initial tremor, many locals, including pet owners, seemed unfazed—some reported their pets slept through the shaking.

Mount Spurr’s Potential Eruption

The situation surrounding Mount Spurr remains a key concern.

The Alaska Volcano Observatory conducted a flyover of the volcano on April 24 and found that gas emissions had remained elevated, but there was no significant change since March.

While no immediate eruption is confirmed, the volcano is still at an elevated level of unrest, and scientists warn that an eruption similar to those in 1953 and 1992 could occur at any time.

Should Mount Spurr erupt, the consequences would be dramatic.

Plumes of ash could rise up to 50,000 feet, blanketing Anchorage and surrounding areas.

Volcanic eruptions would also bring hazardous mudslides and avalanches of debris, although fortunately, there are no communities in the immediate path of such destruction.

Preparing for the Worst: Local Residents Take Action

In the face of such uncertainty, many Anchorage residents are taking steps to prepare for the worst.

TikTok user Lia shared her family’s preparations, including purchasing protective gear such as respirators, goggles, and air filters for their vehicle.

She even bought goggles for her dog to shield against the ash, a measure that has become common in the community.

Some residents are sealing their windows and doors with duct tape to prevent ash from entering their homes.

Lia and her family are bracing for the possibility of a quarter-inch layer of ash falling over Anchorage, as experts predict the eruption could spew ash over a wide area.

For now, the wait continues, with residents watching closely for any signs of Mount Spurr’s imminent eruption.

What’s Next for Anchorage?

As Anchorage residents prepare for a potential eruption, the ongoing seismic activity and volcanic unrest only add to the tension in the region.

With each aftershock and tremor, the anticipation grows, leaving the city on edge and residents ever more vigilant about their safety.