November 30, 2018 Earthquake: Anchorage, Alaska, United States

Ref #1053:

The November 30, 2018, Mw 7.0 earthquake near Anchorage, Alaska, occurred as the result of normal faulting at a depth of about 40 km. Focal mechanism solutions for the event indicate slip occurred on a moderately dipping fault striking north-south (dipping either to the east at about 30 degrees, or the west at about 60 degrees). At the location of this earthquake, the Pacific plate is moving towards the northwest with respect to the North America plate at about 57 mm/yr, subducting beneath Alaska at the Alaska-Aleutians Trench, approximately 150 km south-southeast of this event. The location and mechanism of this earthquake indicate rupture occurred on an intraslab fault within the subducting Pacific slab, rather than on the shallower thrust-faulting interface between these two plates.

Earthquakes are common in this region. Over the past century, 14 other M 6+ earthquakes have occurred within 150 km of the November 30, 2018 event. Two of these - a M 6.6 earthquake in July 1983 and a M 6.4 event in September 1983 - were at a similarly shallow depth and caused damage in the region of Valdez. The M 9.2 great Alaska earthquake of March 1964, was an interface thrust faulting earthquake that ruptured over several hundred kilometers between Anchorage and the Alaska-Aleutians trench, and to the southwest.

Some people injured; many buildings damaged, including 2 hospitals, several schools and Merrill Field Airport; many roads and bridges heavily damaged, including Glenn Highway, Palmer-Wasilla Highway, Pittman Road, Point MacKenzie Road and Vine Road; a rockslide blocked Seward Highway; a dozen water main breaks and several fires, gas leaks and power outages occurred; Alaska Railroad suspended operations at Anchorage and in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. Damage estimated at 30 million US dollars.

Eagle River, AK, US - CDI: 8; Elmendorf AFB, AK, US - CDI: 7; Willow, AK, US - CDI: 7; Anchorage, AK, US - CDI: 7; Wasilla, AK, US - CDI: 7

Ref #12292, 12296:

A large earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.0 struck Alaska near Anchorage early Friday morning, damaging roads and buildings, knocking out power and sending people fleeing from buildings and to hope of safety beneath door jambs. There were no immediate reports of major injuries but it appeared parts of the region had suffered serious structural damage [...] There were several aftershocks, including a sharp jolt felt widely in Anchorage around 10:26 a.m. and another series of aftershocks just before 11 a.m. At least three of them were 5.0.

There were several reports of serious damage. The Glenn Highway had closed north of Eagle River because of damage, and an onramp at the interchange of International Airport Road and Minnesota Boulevard collapsed. State transportation officials were fielding reports of damage on all high-priority roads including three major locations on the Glenn Highway, spokeswoman Shannon McCarthy said late Friday morning.

As of 10 a.m., fire officials reported three working fires, as well as two collapsed buildings, though Hettrick didn't immediately have further details. Officials with the Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility also reported numerous pipe breaks throughout the city.

At least 117 people reported mostly minor injuries such as bruises, cuts or anxiety, according to Mat-Su Regional Medical Center.

Ref #12357:

According to the municipality's [Anchorage] own estimates, the damage to its property, infrastructure, and schools resulted in around $100 million worth of damage. The Matanuska-Susitna and Kenai Peninsula Boroughs have also filed claims.

Losses in USD:

150 m (ref #12634), 300 m (ref #13727)