Earthquake Rattles Alaskan City on Volcanic Eruption Alert

HOPE, Alaska – A 4.7 magnitude earthquake struck near Hope at 12:03 a.m. local time on May 1, 2025, just as residents were already on alert for a potential volcanic eruption from nearby Mount Spurr.

The Alaska Earthquake Center recorded the tremor’s epicenter, located approximately 33 miles from Anchorage, where many residents reported feeling light shaking. “Felt it from 45 miles north of Anchorage—first heard the building creak, then came a solid shake followed by a slight rolling motion at the end,” one local shared on social media.

Residents across the region have been urged to stay alert for aftershocks and follow local emergency guidelines. This earthquake is the fifth in the past 11 days in the South-Central region of Alaska, an area known for its seismic activity due to the Pacific plate subducting beneath the North American plate.

No damages or injuries have been reported in the aftermath of the earthquake. The US Geological Survey (USGS) indicates that earlier tremors in the area, measuring between 1.1 and 2.0 in magnitude, are often imperceptible to most people. Earthquakes of magnitude 2.5 to 5.4 are usually felt but typically cause only minor damage.

Locals took to platforms like X to discuss their experiences. One Anchorage resident tweeted, “Earthquake! Anyone feel it in Anchorage just now? My apartment was shaking a few seconds. Strange my dogs slept through it.” Another noted, “Felt that one!”

Scientists from the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) are closely monitoring Mount Spurr, which has shown signs of unrest. An update released by the AVO stated, “Gas emissions remain elevated above background levels,” indicating a potential eruption could occur. As of Friday, the AVO emphasized that an explosive eruption remains possible, similar to events that transpired in 1953 and 1992.

According to Matt Haney, scientist-in-charge at the AVO, if an eruption were to occur, it could produce multiple ash plumes rising as high as 50,000 feet. “Each ash-producing explosive episode would last three to four hours, affecting Anchorage and nearby communities,” Haney told DailyMail.com.

Local residents are preparing in advance for potential ashfall. One TikToker, Lia, showcased her family’s protective gear, including goggles and air filters. “Mount Spurr is about to erupt, and I want to make sure we are prepared because we have never gone through a volcanic eruption,” she said.

Lia explained that she purchased snug-fitting swim goggles from Amazon for her family and even for her dog. Some Anchorage residents have stockpiled duct tape to seal windows and doors against ashfall. “So now we just wait for it to erupt and see how it goes,” Lia concluded, expressing concern about the predicted quarter-inch of ash that could blanket the city.