Magnitude 7.3 Earthquake Triggers Tsunami Warning for South Alaska and Peninsula

A magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck off the Alaskan coast near the Aleutian Islands on Wednesday afternoon, triggering a tsunami warning for the region. The epicenter was located approximately 54 miles south of Sand Point, with the seismic event occurring at a depth of nearly 22 miles beneath the Pacific Ocean. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) initially recorded the earthquake as a magnitude 7.2 but revised it upward to 7.3 shortly afterward.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a tsunami warning for South Alaska and the Alaska Peninsula, encompassing areas from Kennedy Entrance to Unimak Pass. The affected cities include Sand Point, Cold Bay, and Kodiak. Residents in these zones were advised to move to higher ground or seek shelter in multi-story buildings to avoid the risk of coastal flooding and potential damage from the anticipated waves.

The first wave was expected to reach Sand Point by approximately 1:30 p.m. local time, followed by predicted wave arrivals in Cold Bay at 2:25 p.m. and Kodiak around 2:40 p.m. These tsunami waves originate from substantial underwater disturbances and can generate a series of hazardous waves, with the first not necessarily being the largest.

Local authorities and emergency services issued evacuation advisories, urging those in the affected areas to relocate to higher ground as a precaution. The Homer Police Department emphasized the importance of immediate evacuation from regions spanning Kennedy Entrance to Unimak Pass. Simultaneously, the Anchorage Office of Emergency Management declared no immediate threat to Anchorage despite the tremors felt throughout the southern parts of Alaska.

This seismic event comes after a smaller magnitude 5.2 earthquake earlier in the day, which was recorded 40 miles southeast of Atka Island. The USGS noted that major earthquakes of magnitude 7.0 and above are capable of significant damage, though they occur relatively infrequently, averaging 10-15 instances globally per year.

As the situation develops, updates and additional information will be provided. Residents and those concerned are encouraged to monitor official channels and heed any further instructions from emergency response teams. With the natural unpredictability of such events, staying informed and prepared is vital for safety in the impacted regions.