27 earthquakes registered in North America: USGS data in the last few hours

In the past 24 hours, the North America and Caribbean region experienced significant seismic activity, with a total of 27 earthquakes exceeding 2.5 magnitude. Of these, nine events occurred within U.S. territory or its associated territories, raising concerns among authorities and the public. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has published detailed reports on each of these quakes, providing precise information on time, location, and epicenter.

Seismic activity in Alaska dominates the record

Alaska was the most affected region by seismic activity during this 24-hour period. USGS records show a significant concentration of earthquakes in different parts of the state. Among the most notable events is a magnitude 3.7 quake located 74 kilometers north of Yakutat, which occurred on January 29 at 1:59 PM in Anchorage. Other important events include a magnitude 3.5 quake recorded 61 kilometers east of Sand Point and a magnitude 3.1 event 194 kilometers southeast of Akutan.

More recently within this cycle, minor earthquakes were recorded in the region, such as a magnitude 2.8 located 23 kilometers west of Akhiok on January 30 at 2:52 AM in Anchorage, and another of magnitude 2.6 situated 28 kilometers northwest of Happy Valley, also on January 30.

The strongest earthquakes: where they are concentrated

The strongest event recorded in this series reached a magnitude of 4.2, located just 8 kilometers northeast of Black Eagle in Montana, on January 29 at 12:41 PM local time in Helena. This higher-intensity quake represents the most significant activity in the contiguous U.S. states during this period.

Other notable earthquakes include a magnitude 3.9 located 32 kilometers north of Cimarron in New Mexico, which occurred on January 30 at 12:20 AM local time in Santa Fe. In Oregon, a magnitude 3.5 event was recorded 259 kilometers southwest of Pistol River on January 30 at 9:30 PM the previous day in Salem.

Distribution of earthquakes by state: a detailed analysis

In Texas, two earthquakes were recorded: one of magnitude 2.7 located 12 kilometers west of Stanton on January 30 at 1:25 AM in Austin, and another of magnitude 2.6 situated 10 kilometers southeast of Pearsall on January 29 at 11:02 AM. Additionally, a magnitude 2.5 quake was located 35 kilometers northwest of Toyah.

In Colorado, two consecutive earthquakes occurred: one of magnitude 2.8 located 29 kilometers south of Weston on January 30 at 4:06 AM in Denver, and another of magnitude 2.5 situated 32 kilometers southwest of Segundo at the same time.

In Puerto Rico, two seismic events were detected: a magnitude 3.1 quake located 5 kilometers east-southeast of Maricao on January 30 at 3:53 AM in San Juan, and another of magnitude 3.3 recorded 133 kilometers northeast of Vieques on January 29 at 12:41 PM.

In Montana, besides the main event of magnitude 4.2, a magnitude 2.7 earthquake was recorded 5 kilometers northwest of Malmstrom Air Force Base on January 30 at 5:46 PM local time.

The San Andreas Fault and the risk of a megaquake

The San Andreas Fault is one of the most significant and dangerous geological structures in the United States, extending approximately 1,300 kilometers across California. This fault marks the boundary between the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate, responsible for constant seismic activity in the region.

The known threat called the “Big One” has generated particular concern among scientists and authorities. It refers to a possible megaquake of magnitude 8 or higher that could occur in the near future, causing devastation over large areas, especially densely populated regions like Los Angeles and San Francisco. California’s seismic history demonstrates this destructive potential: the 1906 San Francisco earthquake reached magnitude 7.8, while the Fort Tejon event in 1857 registered a magnitude of 7.9.

Given this reality, authorities regularly conduct emergency drills and review structural safety measures. Simultaneously, efforts to raise public awareness about actions needed before, during, and after an earthquake are intensified, preparing the population for potential future events.