ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A strong earthquake shook Alaska’s southern coast on Wednesday, causing some communities to order evacuations. Luckily, a tsunami warning was issued and then quickly lifted, with no major damage reported.
The earthquake hit around 12:37 p.m. local time, measuring 7.3 in magnitude. It struck offshore near Sand Point, a small community on Popof Island. The Alaska Earthquake Center noted that there were 40 aftershocks in the hours that followed.
“We’ve seen other earthquakes here that didn’t lead to big tsunami waves,” said Jeremy Zidek, a spokesperson for Alaska’s emergency management division. “But we take these situations seriously to keep communities informed.” Although a warning covered a wide area, including Kodiak, the alert was downgraded to an advisory about an hour later and was canceled shortly after.
The highest water rise recorded in Sand Point was just 2.5 inches, causing minimal disruption. Sand Point Police Chief Benjamin Allen reported no significant damages at local infrastructure like schools or the airport. A minor incident at a local store involved shattered bottles, but nothing that affected the community’s safety.
In nearby Unalaska, officials advised people in coastal areas to move to higher ground. Residents were urged to get at least 50 feet above sea level or one mile inland. Tourists in Seward, Alaska, experienced a brief scare as they were evacuated from a nearby attraction. Fortunately, they were informed soon that the all-clear signal had sounded and they could return.
The National Weather Service assured that there was no tsunami threat for the broader U.S. and Canadian Pacific coasts, so communities were relieved. Even so, this region is known for its seismic activity. Michael West, a state seismologist, mentioned that the recent quake was part of a pattern of significant seismic activities stretching back several years. “This area has the potential for larger quakes,” he cautioned. “We need to stay alert.”
Experts emphasize the importance of preparedness. A recent survey revealed that nearly half of Alaskans do not have emergency kits ready for natural disasters. This event serves as a reminder of the region’s unique challenges and the need for residents to be prepared. As communities assess the situation, many are sharing their experiences and feelings on social media, with some praising the quick response from emergency services.
Overall, while this earthquake could have been much worse, it highlights the ongoing threat of natural disasters in Alaska. Both residents and officials remain vigilant, ready to respond as needed.
For more on earthquake preparedness, visit the Ready.gov website.
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