6.2-magnitude earthquake hits Alaska

JUNEAU — A 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck Alaska on Thursday near Anchorage, but the U.S. Geological Survey said there was little likelihood of casualties or severe damage from shaking generated by the deeply rooted tremor.

The agency said the quake’s epicenter was located 81 miles northwest of Anchorage, Alaska’s most populous city, and originated at a depth of 63.2 miles below the surface, which would have lessened its impact.

A magnitude 6.2 quake is considered strong and is generally capable of causing sever damage. Strong shaking was reported felt northwest of Anchorage, with mostly lighter rumbling elsewhere across a wide region.

But the USGS ranked the quake as having a low likelihood of causing shaking-related fatalities or economic losses. The National Weather Service said no tsunami was expected to be generated by the tremor.

Anchorage police spokeswoman Jennifer Castron said there were no immediate reports of major damage or injuries, just building and car alarms going off, which she said was “pretty typical” for such quakes.