On Wednesday afternoon, the Alaska Peninsula was struck by a powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake, followed by more than a dozen aftershocks. Although the tsunami advisory was lifted, residents of the affected areas are urged to remain cautious, as seismic activity continues. The earthquake and its aftershocks have left some damage, power outages, and temporary road closures. Officials are working to assess the situation, especially in areas prone to landslides and further tremors.
Powerful Earthquake and Aftershocks Hit the Alaska Peninsula
The earthquake struck at 12:38 p.m. AKDT, located about 55 miles south of Sand Point. It was a strong 7.3 magnitude quake, shaking areas from Kodiak to Cold Bay. Following the initial tremor, the region experienced at least a dozen aftershocks, some of which reached magnitudes above 5.0. Emergency officials monitored the situation, but no damaging tsunami waves were detected, leading to the cancellation of the tsunami advisory late Wednesday.
Damage and Ongoing Aftershocks
While no major waves were reported, the earthquake and its aftershocks caused some minor damage, including power outages and temporary road closures. Utility crews and emergency responders are actively working to assess and repair any damage, particularly in coastal and hilly areas where landslides could still pose a threat. Residents are advised to avoid any damaged buildings and keep mobile devices charged, as aftershocks are expected to continue into Thursday.
Safety Measures and Public Advisory
Though the tsunami threat has been canceled, state officials are reminding the public to remain on alert. Aftershocks, which can be unpredictable and strong, may still occur, especially overnight. Residents are urged to stay away from hazardous areas and wait for all-clear messages before returning to potentially unsafe zones. Keeping up with local emergency alerts is essential, as conditions can change rapidly.
The Alaska Peninsula remains on edge after the 7.3 magnitude earthquake and multiple aftershocks. While the tsunami advisory has been lifted, caution is still necessary due to continued seismic activity. Residents should follow safety guidelines, avoid damaged areas, and stay informed through local emergency updates to ensure their safety.