A 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of Alaska on Wednesday, prompting a brief tsunami advisory before authorities declared the region safe. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake occurred at 12:37 p.m. local time (2037 GMT) and was centered 54 miles south of Sand Point, at a depth of 20.1 kilometers.
Initial Tsunami Warning Downgraded
Following the powerful tremor, the National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC) issued an immediate tsunami warning for parts of South Alaska and the Alaska Peninsula. However, after careful monitoring, the alert was first downgraded to an advisory and eventually canceled within two hours.
“The Tsunami Advisory is canceled for the coastal areas of South Alaska and the Alaska Peninsula,” the NTWC confirmed.
Despite the initial alarm, only a small tsunami measuring 0.2 feet (6.1 cm) was recorded at Sand Point, posing no significant threat to life or infrastructure.
Aftershocks Continue
The USGS reported more than a dozen aftershocks in the hours following the main quake, the strongest registering at 5.2 magnitude. Such seismic activity is not unusual in the region, which lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, known for its tectonic volatility.
Local residents were urged to stay away from coastal areas including beaches, harbors, bays, and inlets until safety could be confirmed. Authorities emphasized:
“Do not re-occupy hazard zones until local emergency officials indicate it is safe to do so.”
Context and Past Events
The Alaska earthquake tsunami advisory echoed a similar event in July 2023, when a 7.2-magnitude quake struck near the same peninsula. Fortunately, that incident also resulted in no major damage, underscoring Alaska’s resilience and preparedness for seismic events.
While the latest tremor caused no casualties or significant destruction, it highlights the importance of emergency protocols in earthquake-prone zones. The brief advisory served as a test of both infrastructure and public readiness.
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