Another milestone for Alaska: 2018 marks the first time the state has recorded 50,000 earthquakes in a calendar year. As of tonight, more than 50,036 earthquakes were recorded by the Alaska Earthquake Center, which has an earthquake counter at the bottom of its page.
Today’s largest quake so far was 4.2 magnitude. It was the largest in days and was centered 19 miles northwest of Anchorage in the Big Lake area, in the same general location as the 4.8 aftershock that occurred Dec. 9.
At least 4,000 aftershocks have been recorded since the Nov. 30 earthquake. At least two dozen of them have registered over 4.0.
I was actually outdoors, shoveling snow during this event. Unfortunately, my neighbors were stunned by it, as they all come outside to inquire of one another’s reactions and comments. Some said it lasted anywhere from 10 seconds to a minute. During an event, it seems to be longer than what it actually is. Leaves us all in a panic, as we are all unaware of each one’s size (magnitude) and duration, along with its location. Frightening, as we’ll never know what’s next. Looking back on 1964’s “big one” still gives me chills as I listen to my family’s experiences. Before the “big one” on that April day in 1964, they actually experienced a 7-something magnitude just one month before the initial 9.2 earthquake. Leaves me wondering, and hoping that everything will be alright. There’s simply nothing in which anyone can do to avoid these frightening quakes. Without anywhere to go, we are all like a bunch of little beings in a gigantic Earth, who are helpless, but not hopeless. I admire how we all came together as a family-community to have compassionate and cared for one another. We should all have a plan and be prepared for future experiences. The November 30th experience was definitely an eye-opener and an attention-getter. As my mother and I went to visit with a friend shorty after 9am, my Bible was among the couple items I took with me. Prayer is powerful! Thank you all & God bless!
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