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Recent earthquakes reported
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The gist
A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck southern Alaska on Sept. 3, 2026. It's not evidence of increased global seismic activity, but a reminder of Earth's constant motion.
Background
Recent months have seen major earthquakes in Venezuela, Colombia, and now Alaska, prompting questions about whether seismic activity is increasing. However, experts note that these events are not linked and do not indicate a global uptick. Each region has its own seismic history, and living in active zones means occasional large quakes even after quiet periods.
How it unfolded
- Jun 2026Venezuela hit by a seismic sequence including magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes along its northern coast.
- Aug 10, 2026A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia near San Jose del Palmar in Choco.
- Sep 3, 2026A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck southern Alaska, adding to the series of significant quakes.
Who’s saying what
- Expert
- The Alaska quake is not evidence that the planet is suddenly shaking more; it's a reminder of Earth's constant geological motion.
- Public
- Residents in affected regions feel the quakes strongly, with some reporting the second shake 'felt stronger' in New Zealand.