M6.5 earthquake - 25 km NW of Atka, Alaska

What happened

A magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck 25 km NW of Atka, Alaska on 17 May 1986, 16:20 UTC at a depth of 26 km.

Earthquakes of this size are classed as Strong. Can cause damage in populated areas up to tens of kilometres away. This was a shallow earthquake, which tends to be felt more strongly at the surface.