About the Alaska Earthquake Alliance
The Alaska Earthquake Alliance, which is composed of member groups and organizations, coordinates earthquake awareness and preparedness activities in Alaska. The Alliance is a part of a statewide network linking organizations and individuals that provide earthquake information and services, and who desire to improve on earthquake preparedness and awareness throughout the state.
Our members include: scientists and engineers; non-profit organization and business leaders; community groups and activists; federal, state, and local government leaders and agencies; and others who share our passion to reduce earthquake risk in Alaska.
The 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake
On March 27, 1964 at 5:36 PM the most powerful earthquake ever recorded in North America occurred in Southcentral Alaska and lasted nearly 5 minutes. This magnitude 9.2 earthquake struck Prince William Sound and caused widespread destruction across southern Alaska. More information on the 1964 earthquake.
Government Hill School in Anchorage — evidence of subsidence from the 1964 earthquake.
The six-story Four Seasons apartment building in Anchorage was completely destroyed by the 1964 earthquake.
Are You Prepared?
Alaska's unique geography and seismic activity mean that every Alaskan should have a personal earthquake preparedness plan. Drop, Cover, and Hold On is the single most effective action you can take when shaking begins.
Get on your hands and knees immediately when shaking begins
Take shelter under a sturdy desk or table, protecting your head and neck
Hold on to your shelter until shaking completely stops
Recent Alaska Earthquakes
The Alaska Earthquake Center at the University of Alaska Fairbanks monitors seismic activity statewide.
Alaska experiences thousands of detectable earthquakes every year. The Alaska Earthquake Center (AEC) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks operates a network of hundreds of seismometers to continuously monitor seismic activity across the state, providing real-time earthquake information to emergency responders and the public.
The USGS Earthquake Hazards Program also tracks seismic activity worldwide, including Alaska, and provides the Did You Feel It? tool where the public can report earthquakes they experience.
Alaska Seismic Hazards Safety Commission
The Alaska Seismic Hazards Safety Commission recommends goals and priorities for seismic risk mitigation to the public and private sectors and recommends policies to the Governor and Legislature to reduce the state's vulnerability to earthquakes.