A magnitude 5.4 earthquake shook an area 45 miles east of Homer, Alaska, in Fox River, on Thursday morning, and there is no tsunami danger, according to the National Tsunami Warning Center.
The quake, which occurred around 9:33 a.m., was reportedly felt in Anchorage, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
It is unknown if the earthquake has caused damage to the region.
What does an earthquake feel like?
A large earthquake nearby will feel like a sudden large jolt followed quickly by strong shaking that can last from a few seconds to a few minutes, according to the USGS.
“The shaking will feel violent, and it will be difficult to stand up,” the USGS said on its website. “The contents of your house will be a mess.”
If you are far from a large earthquake, the USGS said the feeling will be more similar to a gentle bump and then stronger, rolling shaking. The shaking may also feel sharp for a little while.
If you are close to the epicenter of a small earthquake, the USGS said it will feel like a smaller, sharp jolt followed by a couple of stronger, sharp shakes that quickly pass.
The USGS said that if you’re far from a small quake, you most likely won’t feel it, both the type of crustal material and structure can impact what you feel.
At what magnitude does damage begin to occur in an earthquake?
According to the USGS, it depends on other variables, such as the distance from the earthquake, what type of soil you are on, and usually does not occur until the earthquake magnitude reaches somewhere above 4 or 5.
