A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Alaska early this morning, alarming authorities and residents in coastal areas. The strong tremors were recorded at a depth of 30.5 kilometers (19 miles) and were felt across the entire Alaska Peninsula and the Aleutian Islands.
Epicenter and Tsunami Alert
According to the U.S. Tsunami Warning Center, the earthquake’s epicenter was approximately 55 miles (88 kilometers) south of Sand Point, a community on Popof Island. The quake was registered at 12:38 AM local time (4:38 PM ET on July 16).
Immediately following the tremors, authorities issued a tsunami warning for several coastal areas. While widespread flooding is not anticipated, experts cautioned about powerful currents and dangerous waves for anyone near the water.
No Immediate Reports of Damage or Casualties
The Alaska Earthquake Center announced that there are currently no reports of damage or casualties, but assessments are still ongoing. Residents have been advised to move away from coastal areas and follow instructions from local civil protection authorities.
This earthquake has brought back somber memories of 1958, when a landslide triggered by an earthquake in Lituya Bay generated a megatsunami with a wave nearly 525 meters (1,722 feet) high – the largest ever recorded in history. Seismology experts emphasize that while the possibility of an extreme tsunami is low, Alaska’s geological conditions could create such scenarios, especially if earthquakes are accompanied by massive landslides on steep terrains near the coast.
