Alaska Coast Struck by 7.3 Magnitude Quake, Tsunami Alert Canceled

A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake jolted the waters off Alaska’s coast, prompting a temporary tsunami warning that was later rescinded. The tremor occurred yesterday afternoon, impacting a remote region south of Sand Point.

Tsunami Warning Lifted After Initial Alert

The United States Geological Survey reported the significant seismic event, which registered at 12:37 PM local time. Its epicenter was located approximately 87 kilometers south of Sand Point, at a relatively shallow depth of 20.1 kilometers. Initially, a tsunami warning was issued for coastal areas of South Alaska and the Alaska Peninsula.

However, authorities revised the alert about two hours after the earthquake. The National Tsunami Warning Center stated, The Tsunami Advisory is cancelled for the coastal areas of South Alaska and the Alaska Peninsula. The warning was downgraded to an advisory before being entirely withdrawn.

Aftershock Activity Recorded

Following the primary quake, over a dozen aftershocks were detected. The strongest of these secondary tremors reached a magnitude of 5.2, according to USGS data. The region is known for its seismic activity due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire.

The seismic activity serves as a reminder of the region’s geological dynamism. For instance, in 2018, a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck the Alaska Peninsula, also leading to tsunami advisories. (USGS, 2018).