Small Earthquake Reported Near Afton; Larger Quakes Hit Alaska
The U.S. Geological Survey reports an earthquake happened about seven miles southwest of Afton on Friday morning.
The 3.3 magnitude temblor occurred about three miles underground at 9:34 a.m., the U.S.G.S reported.
Michele Walton with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office in Afton said her office has not received any calls about property damage or injuries.
The area affected by the earthquake is rural and forested, Walton added.
This earthquake preceded a 7.0 magnitude quake about 10 miles north of Anchorage, Alaska, at 10:29 a.m., which was followed by a 5.8 magnitude quake about three miles south of that coastal city at 10:35 a.m., according to the USGS.
Anchorage is Alaska's largest city.
The Associated Press reported the first quake caused lamp posts and trees to sway, prompting people to run out of offices and seek shelter under office desks.
People went back inside buildings after the earthquake but the smaller aftershock a short time later sent them running back into the streets again.
Three more quakes ranging from 4.1 magnitude to 4.3 magnitude were reported at 10:41-42 in Big Lake, which is north of Anchorage.