Light earthquake felt in parts of southeast Alaska

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — A light earthquake located near Klukwan and Haines shook parts of southeast Alaska on Thursday, according to the Alaska Earthquake Center.

The earthquake had a preliminary magnitude of 4.4 and was located about 20 miles (33 kilometers) southwest of Klukwan, 29 miles (47 kilometers) west of Haines and 89 miles (143 kilometers) northwest of Juneau, the center said. The quake occurred around 12:40 p.m.

Seismologist Natalia Ruppert with the earthquake center by email said the magnitude 4.4 earthquake was followed by several aftershocks. She said it was reasonable to expect more aftershocks in the coming hours and possibly the next few days.

Haines Borough Mayor Douglas Olerud said he had not heard of any damage in his community.

“It was just a light shaking here to wake us up here after lunchtime,” he said.