Alaska Shakes on New Year's Day 2026: 5.7 Magnitude Quake Hits

• A 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck Alaska on the first day of 2026, near the Yakutat area.
• The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake's depth at approximately 9 kilometers.
• No major damage or casualties have been reported, with local administration monitoring the situation.
• Alaska is highly earthquake-prone, accounting for 80% of US quakes due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire where tectonic plates collide.
• The region has a history of powerful quakes, including the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake (9.2 magnitude), leading to strict building codes and continuous seismic monitoring.

Why It Matters: Alaska experienced a 5.7 magnitude quake on Jan 1, 2026; no major damage reported in this quake-prone region.