Shallow M5.8 earthquake hits offshore Alaska

A shallow M5.8 earthquake was recorded at 14:15 UTC on May 6, 2026, about 235 km (146 miles) east-southeast of Attu Station, Alaska. The event was registered at a depth of 10.0 km (6.2 miles), according to United States Geological Survey (USGS) data.

The coordinates place the epicenter in waters offshore of the western Aleutian Islands, a remote region in the far western part of Alaska. Attu Station is the nearest locality, situated on Attu Island. This area is known for its sparse population and is part of the Aleutian chain that stretches toward Russia.

Given the offshore epicenter and proximity to the Aleutian Islands, potential critical infrastructure includes shipping lanes, research stations, and limited aviation facilities serving remote islands. Due to the lack of significant settlements or large infrastructure, the direct impact is expected to be minimal.

There is no tsunami threat associated with this earthquake, based on its location and available data.

USGS issued a green alert for this event, indicating a low likelihood of casualties or damage. The maximum estimated intensity was IV, and the significance index is 518 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.

The Aleutian region is a well-known segment of the Pacific Ring of Fire, marked by intense seismic activity due to the interaction between the Pacific and North American tectonic plates. Earthquakes here are common and can occasionally generate tsunamis, though none were associated with this event.

This information was last updated at 14:37 UTC on May 6, 2026.