Could one number-7.0-be responsible for reshaping landscapes and unsettling thousands of lives? A magnitude 7.0 earthquake northeast of Yakutat, Alaska, hit at 11:41 a.m. local time according to USGS, on December 6. The small coastal community had a population of 657 in 2020 and just 332 housing units in 2023-well over 300 miles from Anchorage-but the force of the tremor was felt there and across parts of Canada.
As NASA’s Earth Observatory notes, the planet sees an average of 18 major earthquakes between 7.0 and 7.9 annually, plus one “great” quake of 8.0 or higher. This one was noteworthy not only for its magnitude but for its aftermath-more than 20 aftershocks, some exceeding 5.0, rippled through the region. “Here we are 40 minutes after the earthquake, it appears to be generating a pretty vigorous aftershock sequence,” said Michael West, state seismologist at the Alaska Earthquake Center. He cautioned that magnitude 7 quakes are “certainly enough to cause ground failures” and could lead to landslides or roadway damage, though no such impacts had yet been confirmed.
Austin Holland, operations director at the center, noted that since the quake was in a “fairly remote area” the risk to people and infrastructure was likely lower. He further noted that aftershocks would “remain quite numerous” for days and weeks to come but that there was only a “very small chance” a larger quake could come out of the sequence. NOAA has confirmed no tsunami warnings or watches; they also note that the National Tsunami Center said a “Tsunami NOT expected.”
Putting this event into perspective requires an understanding of the scale of magnitude. The official measure of the moment magnitude scale is logarithmic, where each whole number increase represents a tenfold jump in amplitude and roughly 32 times more energy release. A 5.0 quake is 10 times stronger than a 4.0, but a 7.0 is capable of serious, widespread damage. Quakes in the 7.0–7.9 range are considered “major” events, according to Michigan Technological University, usually causing significant structural harm over large areas.
While seismic science can explain the physical forces involved, the human factor goes way beyond issues of immediate safety. As a matter of fact, natural disasters can stir up extraordinary emotional reactions, ranging from anxiety and restlessness to sleep problems and difficulty concentrating. Specialists underline that such reactions are normal after a traumatic event has taken place. Reestablishing meal, exercise, and sleep routines helps re-establish stability. Avoid continuous news coverage in order not to constantly relive the event and, therefore, reduce distress.
Practical preparedness also enables one to restore peace of mind. The Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety guide suggests securing heavy furniture, creating an emergency kit with food, water, and medical supplies, and conducting “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” drills with family members. These things not only increase safety during the next quake but give psychological reassurance, too, that one is ready to respond.
It is similarly important to help families with children establish a comforting atmosphere: strategies include reducing exposure to terrifying images, encouraging questions, and providing fact-based information related to the event that is appropriate for a child’s age to help diminish fear. Family security is promoted by doing things together and establishing a daily routine. Adults may decrease stress by staying connected with friends and neighbors, engaging in relaxation techniques like mindfulness and light exercises, and avoiding alcohol or drugs as a means of coping with stress.
Aftershocks could continue to affect residents in the days ahead, and while science may indicate these are expected and usually smaller than the main quake, the emotional toll lingers. It is important to recognize signs of persistent stress such as continuing sleep problems, intrusive thoughts, or withdrawal from social contact. If symptoms interfere with daily activities, professional help is advised.
This Alaska quake is but another reminder that knowledge, preparation, and emotional care are how communities face up not only to the shaking of the ground but also to the uncertainty afterward-even in places where seismic events seem part of life.
