Alaska Residents Evacuate After 7.3 Magnitude Earthquake Triggers Tsunami Alert

Residents along a significant stretch of Alaska's southern coastline were urged to seek higher ground following a powerful offshore earthquake on Wednesday. The quake, initially recorded at a magnitude of 7.3, occurred at 12:37 PM local time, south of Sand Point, a small community on Popof Island in the Aleutian chain, as reported by the Alaska Earthquake Center.

In the immediate aftermath, communities along a 700-mile stretch from Homer to Unimak Pass took precautionary measures and activated evacuation protocols. However, officials quickly downgraded the tsunami warning and ultimately canceled it shortly before 2:45 PM. Fortunately, there were no significant reports of damage.

Seismologists noted that the earthquake was felt as far away as Anchorage, nearly 600 miles to the northeast. The National Tsunami Warning Center had issued a warning affecting areas that included the larger community of Kodiak, home to approximately 5,200 residents.

According to Jeremy Zidek, a representative of Alaska's emergency management division, the state has experienced other seismic activities in the region without generating significant tsunami waves. Nonetheless, officials prioritized safety and ensured that communities were notified promptly.

Within the first three hours following the earthquake, the Alaska Earthquake Center recorded 40 aftershocks, underscoring the seismic activity in the area. The highest water level observed in Sand Point was only about 2.5 inches above normal tide levels, indicating minimal tsunami threat.

Local authorities reported no damage to infrastructure, including the airport and harbor, aside from minor incidents such as broken bottles in a local store. The store manager noted that a section of the alcohol aisle had collapsed, creating quite a mess.

In nearby Unalaska, officials advised residents in potential inundation zones to move at least 50 feet above sea level or one mile inland as a precaution. Alerts were similarly issued in King Cove, prompting residents to evacuate to higher ground.

Tourists visiting the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward experienced the earthquake firsthand when an evacuation alert was issued. They promptly moved to higher ground, receiving reassurance from staff members.

The National Weather Service confirmed that there was no tsunami threat to other coastal regions across the U.S. and Canada, including Washington, Oregon, and California.

Alaska is known for its seismic activity, and this recent earthquake marks the fifth event in the same vicinity since 2020 that exceeded a magnitude of 7. State seismologist Michael West indicated that this earthquake is part of a broader series of seismic movements observed in the region over recent years, prompting ongoing monitoring from experts.

West emphasized that the area remains prone to larger earthquakes and those capable of causing significant tsunami damage, highlighting the importance of continued vigilance in this geologically active zone.