7.3-Magnitude Quake Strikes Off Alaska, Tsunami Warning Issued: USGS

AFP/APP

Los Angeles, United States: A powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Alaska on Wednesday, prompting authorities to issue a tsunami warning for parts of the state, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).

The quake occurred at approximately 12:37 p.m. local time (2037 GMT), with its epicenter located about 54 miles (87 kilometers) south of the island town of Sand Point. It originated at a relatively shallow depth of 20.1 kilometers.

The National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC) in Palmer, Alaska, confirmed the tsunami and warned of potential impacts.

“A tsunami has been confirmed and some impacts are expected,” the NTWC stated.

The tsunami warning covers South Alaska and the Alaska Peninsula, specifically along the Pacific coasts from Kennedy Entrance (40 miles southwest of Homer) to Unimak Pass (80 miles northeast of Unalaska).

Based on early assessments, tsunami warnings were not extended to more distant areas.

Alaska lies along the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire. The state was previously struck by a 9.2-magnitude earthquake in March 1964—the most powerful ever recorded in North America—which devastated Anchorage and triggered a massive tsunami that reached the Gulf of Alaska, the US West Coast, and Hawaii. More than 250 people lost their lives.

In July 2023, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake also struck off the Alaskan Peninsula, though it caused no major damage.