On Wednesday afternoon, a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck near the Alaska Peninsula, triggering tsunami warnings along the coastal areas. The earthquake occurred 54 miles south of Sand Point with a depth of approximately 12.5 miles.
Following the earthquake, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued tsunami warnings for most areas of the Alaska Peninsula, extending to the southern tip of the Alaskan mainland and up to Anchorage.
The NOAA urged all individuals under the warning to evacuate to higher ground or inland immediately, or to seek refuge on the upper floors of multi-story buildings, depending on their circumstances.
The department warned of the potential for significant and unusual tidal waves, ocean currents, and inland flooding that could result in casualties or injuries, as well as weaken or destroy structures on land and in water. The seawater filled with debris or wreckage could pose risks to individuals and infrastructure.
Emergency services are actively monitoring the situation and advising residents to stay alert and prepare for potential tsunamis. Severe earthquakes that can cause “significant damage” typically fall within the magnitude range of 7.0 to 7.9, with only about 10 to 15 such earthquakes reported annually, according to data from Michigan Technological University.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu reported that while Alaska experienced a strong quake, it does not pose a threat to surrounding islands. The National Weather Service indicated that parts of the Pacific region near the earthquake site face tsunami threats, but Hawaii currently faces no such danger based on available data.
At present, the National Weather Service has not provided any additional information, and the public is not required to take any action at this time.