SOUTHERN | COAST OF ALASKA | U.S
A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck near Sand Point on Alaska’s southern coast on Wednesday evening. The quake also rattled coastal towns, causing structural damage and panic among residents. A tsunami warning was initially issued, but was later downgraded.
What happened?
The earthquake struck at 6:42 p.m. local time, about 65 miles southeast of Sand Point. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed that the quake struck 29 miles below the ocean’s surface. People felt the tremor as far away as Kodiak, Cold Bay and even Anchorage.
Tsunami Warning Has Been Issued !
Immediately after the earthquake, the National Tsunami Warning Center issued an alert for parts of the southern Alaska Peninsula.
Coastal residents were urged to move to higher ground. However, no large tsunami waves were observed, and within an hour the warning was downgraded to an advisory.
Residents share their experiences of chaos
People rushed out of their homes, shops and schools in fear. In Sand Point, several houses shook violently and alarms sounded in public buildings.
“I thought it was going to be a big event,” said Nancy R., a grocery worker in Cold Bay.
“Things fell off the shelves. Lights started flickering. I quickly grabbed my kids and we ran outside.”
Damage Report So Far
Thankfully, no deaths or serious injuries have been reported so far. However, local authorities have confirmed some worrying developments:
– Roads are broken in some areas of Sand Point and King Cove
– Windows of several buildings are broken
– Some old wooden houses have suffered minor damage
– At least three coastal towns have been affected by power outages
– Sand Point Airport has been temporarily closed for safety inspection
🛑 Schools And Transport Affected
Schools in the area have been closed as a precaution while safety checks are carried out. Emergency response teams are inspecting bridges and runways to assess any structural damage.
Ferry services connecting remote islands have also been temporarily suspended.
Government & Expert Reactions
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy shared his thoughts:
“Thanks to the quick response of local authorities and emergency services, we have managed to avert a major disaster. We are closely monitoring the situation.”
Seismologists have indicated that the quake struck in the Aleutian subduction zone, which is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire an area known for its high seismic activity.
Alaska’s Earthquake History
Alaska is located right in the middle of the seismically active Pacific Ocean’s “Ring of Fire,” which means earthquakes are frequent. The state is no stranger to seismic events in fact, it accounts for more than 11% of all earthquakes worldwide.
The most recent earthquake came just weeks after several smaller quakes near the Aleutian Islands, raising concerns among seismologists about a possible increase in tectonic activity.
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