A 7.3 magnitude quake off Alaska’s coast triggered tsunami alerts and evacuations. Canadian shores were unaffected as warnings were cancelled within hours.
Powerful Quake Prompts Emergency Response in Alaska
A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Alaska’s southern coast Wednesday afternoon, triggering a tsunami warning across a 1,126-kilometre stretch of the Aleutian Islands and prompting urgent evacuations to higher ground. The quake occurred at 12:37 p.m. local time, approximately south of Sand Point, a remote island community in the Aleutian chain. While initial fears of a tsunami spread quickly, the warning was downgraded within the hour and fully cancelled before 2:45 p.m.
Impact Across Communities and Immediate Response
Following standard safety protocols, communities from Unimak Pass to southwest of Homer were alerted to evacuate low-lying areas. In towns like Kodiak, Unalaska, and King Cove, residents received emergency alerts and sirens. Evacuations were swift and orderly, with no reported injuries. Tourists and residents alike scrambled uphill amid uncertainty. In Sand Point, the only reported damage involved broken merchandise at a local store, while critical infrastructure remained intact.
No Tsunami Threat to Canadian Coast
Despite early fears, Canada’s Pacific shoreline remained unaffected. The U.S. National Weather Service confirmed no tsunami risk for British Columbia or other Canadian territories. Canadian authorities continued monitoring through joint operations with the National Tsunami Warning Center, ensuring cross-border safety protocols were upheld.
Earthquake Felt Far and Wide, But No Major Damage
Residents as far away as Anchorage—nearly 1,000 kilometres from the epicentre—felt the quake. Water levels rose slightly in Sand Point, with the highest reaching just over 6 cm above tide level. Emergency services confirmed airports, harbours, and other critical sites experienced no structural damage.
Seismologists Warn of Ongoing Regional Activity
This is the fifth major earthquake over magnitude 7 to hit the same region since 2020. Alaska’s state seismologist, Michael West, emphasized that these events may be part of a larger seismic pattern. “This area has been and remains capable of larger earthquakes and significant tsunami damage,” West stated, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring.
Preparedness Proves Effective
Officials praised the effectiveness of public preparedness and inter-agency coordination. “We’re treating every alert seriously to ensure communities are notified early,” said Jeremy Zidek of Alaska’s emergency management division. The fast communication and smooth evacuation served as a reminder of the value of early warning systems—particularly in regions known for seismic volatility.
Note to Readers
While Canada’s Pacific coastline wasn’t affected this time, British Columbians are reminded that the West Coast remains in an active seismic zone. Emergency preparedness plans, including evacuation routes and tsunami alerts, should remain up to date.
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