Magnitude 7.2 Earthquake Off Southern Alaska Coast Triggers Brief Tsunami Advisory

Powerful 7.2 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Off Alaska's Southern Coast

A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of Alaska, leading to a brief tsunami advisory that was later canceled. Learn more about the earthquake, its impact, and the response from monitoring bodies.

On Saturday, a powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of Alaska, prompting a short-lived tsunami advisory in the region. The earthquake was widely felt across the Aleutian Islands, the Alaskan Peninsula, and Cook Inlet areas, according to the Alaska Earthquake Center.

Initially reported as a 7.4 magnitude quake, the earthquake occurred at 10:48 p.m. local time, approximately 106 kilometers (65.8 miles) south of Sand Point, Alaska. However, it was later downgraded to a magnitude of 7.2, as confirmed by the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

As a precautionary measure, sirens sounded in Kodiak, Alaska, warning residents of the potential tsunami threat. Videos posted on social media showed people rushing to shelters late at night. However, the tsunami advisory was subsequently canceled by the U.S. National Weather Service about an hour after its issuance.

The U.S. National Weather Service initially issued a tsunami advisory for coastal Alaska, spanning from Chignik Bay to Unimak Pass. Fortunately, Kodiak Island and the Kenai Peninsula were not expected to be significantly affected, as stated in a tweet from the National Weather Service in Anchorage, Alaska.

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency swiftly reassured the public that there was no tsunami threat to the Hawaiian Islands. Meanwhile, the Alaska Earthquake Center noted that there were approximately eight aftershocks in the same area, including a 5.0 magnitude tremor within three minutes of the main earthquake.

Residents have been advised not to reoccupy hazard zones until receiving clearance from local emergency officials. While small sea level changes are still possible, the immediate danger has subsided.

Alaska is known for its high seismic activity, experiencing thousands of earthquakes annually, although most are too deep and small to be felt. The state is home to the second-largest earthquake ever recorded, a devastating 9.2 magnitude quake in Prince William Sound in 1964, which caused extensive damage throughout south-central Alaska.

This recent earthquake occurred in the same region as several other major earthquakes above 7 magnitude in recent years, according to the Alaska Earthquake Center. The Center highlighted this increased activity in a tweet, stating, "The once quiet 'Shumagin Gap' isn't so quiet anymore!"

While the region remains vigilant, residents are urged to stay informed through official sources and follow the guidance of local emergency officials.