SAND POINT, ALASKA – A powerful earthquake struck off the coast of Alaska on Wednesday, prompting initial tsunami warnings that were later canceled. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake occurred at approximately 12:37 pm local time (2037 GMT), with the epicenter located about 54 miles (87 kilometers) south of Sand Point. The tremor had a depth of 20.1 kilometers.
The National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC) initially issued a tsunami warning for parts of South Alaska and the Alaska Peninsula. This was later downgraded to an advisory and eventually withdrawn two hours after the quake.
“The Tsunami Advisory is canceled for the coastal areas of South Alaska and the Alaska Peninsula,” the NTWC announced.
A small tsunami was recorded at Sand Point, with waves reaching a height of just 0.2 feet (6.1 centimeters). The advisory had covered coastal areas from Kennedy Entrance, about 40 miles southwest of Homer, to Unimak Pass, 80 miles northeast of Unalaska.
Residents were urged to avoid all water bodies, including beaches, harbors, and bays, until officials confirmed it was safe. “Do not re-occupy hazard zones until local emergency officials indicate it is safe to do so,” the NTWC advised.
The USGS also noted that the main quake was followed by over a dozen aftershocks, the largest of which measured 5.2 in magnitude.
This region, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, frequently experiences seismic activity. In July 2023, a 7.2-magnitude quake struck off the Alaska Peninsula, also without causing significant damage.
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