Seismic activity in California and other regions: Latest tremors recorded by the USGS

Seismic activity in the United States continues to be monitored constantly. In the last 24 hours, 21 earthquakes with magnitudes over 2.5 have been recorded in the North America and Caribbean region. Of these seismic events, four occurred within the U.S. mainland, the most significant being a 4.7 magnitude quake located 40 kilometers from Evanston, Wyoming. According to data compiled by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), seismic activity spans multiple states and territories, including California, Nevada, Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, reflecting the country’s complex geological dynamics.

Largest Magnitude Earthquakes: Wyoming and Alaska Lead Recent Reports

The strongest recorded tremor reached a magnitude of 5.2, located 120 kilometers southeast of Sand Point, Alaska, documented on January 22 at 19:38 UTC. This was followed by another event of 5.0 magnitude, 293 kilometers southeast of Attu Station, Alaska. In Wyoming, a significant earthquake of 4.7 magnitude was reported 40 kilometers south of Evanston on January 22 at 14:49 UTC (7:49 a.m. in Cheyenne). These three quakes account for the greatest energy release during the analyzed period.

Distribution of Earthquakes in California and Other Continental Areas

California experienced moderate seismic activity with a 2.7 magnitude quake located 70 kilometers west of Ferndale, recorded on January 23 at 01:53 UTC (5:53 p.m. on January 22 in Sacramento). Nevada also experienced seismic movement with a 2.5 magnitude quake 35 kilometers west of Gerlach. In Puerto Rico, a 2.7 magnitude tremor was recorded 5 kilometers southwest of Central Aguirre on January 23 at 05:17 UTC (1:17 a.m. in San Juan). These data show that seismic activity is widely distributed across the country’s geologically active regions.

Complete Records: Exact Time, Location, and Magnitude of Each Earthquake

Below are all seismic events documented in recent hours according to the USGS “Latest Earthquakes” interactive map:

Earthquakes in Alaska:

• 57 km south of Shungnak: 2.8 magnitude (January 23, 11:19 UTC)
• 71 km northwest of Ninilchik: 2.5 magnitude (January 23, 09:55 UTC)
• 293 km southeast of Attu Station: 5.0 magnitude (January 23, 08:25 UTC)
• 259 km southeast of Chiniak: 3.1 magnitude (January 23, 08:08 UTC)
• 22 km southeast of Kokhanok: 2.6 magnitude (January 23, 07:14 UTC)
• 145 km southeast of Sand Point: 3.4 magnitude (January 23, 03:49 UTC)
• 32 km south of Cantwell: 3.2 magnitude (January 23, 00:39 UTC)
• 120 km southeast of Sand Point: 5.2 magnitude (January 22, 19:38 UTC)
• 19 km northeast of Pedro Bay: 2.6 magnitude (January 22, 17:59 UTC)
• 22 km northwest of Tatitlek: 3.2 magnitude (January 22, 15:53 UTC)
• 20 km west of Clam Gulch: 2.8 magnitude (January 22, 14:14 UTC)

Earthquakes in the continental zone (Wyoming, Nevada, California):

• Wyoming, 40 km south of Evanston: 4.7 magnitude (January 22, 14:49 UTC)
• Wyoming, 41 km southeast of Evanston: 3.0 magnitude (January 22, 18:22 UTC)
• Nevada, 35 km west of Gerlach: 2.5 magnitude (January 23, 09:13 UTC)
• California, 70 km west of Ferndale: 2.7 magnitude (January 23, 01:53 UTC)

Earthquake in Puerto Rico:

• Central Aguirre, 5 km southwest: 2.7 magnitude (January 23, 05:17 UTC)

Protection Measures Against Earthquakes: Before, During, and After

Although it is impossible to predict exactly when an earthquake will occur, proven protocols exist to minimize risks. Populations in seismically active areas should implement preventive measures and know safety procedures.

Pre-Earthquake Preparation:

• Develop and practice a clear, accessible evacuation plan for home or office
• Keep an emergency kit stocked with disinfectants, pain relievers, bandages, gauze, hydrogen peroxide, thermal blanket, and whistle
• Store identification documents in a waterproof folder
• Identify and mark safe zones within each environment

Actions During the Earthquake:

• Follow safety team instructions immediately and evacuate if possible
• If unable to leave (e.g., on the third floor or higher), go to pre-designated safe zones
• Stay away from windows, stairs, elevators, and objects that may fall
• Remain calm and breathe deeply

Post-Earthquake Procedures:

• Wait for authorities’ confirmation that it is safe to re-enter buildings
• Check the physical and emotional well-being of all family members
• Use text messages instead of calls to keep emergency lines free
• Collaborate with teams assessing structural damage

Knowledge and preparation are essential tools in facing the threat posed by earthquakes in seismically active regions.