A magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck off Alaska’s Aleutian Islands on Wednesday, triggering a tsunami warning that lasted about an hour. Fortunately, authorities reported no injuries or significant damage. The earthquake, which occurred at 12:37 PM local time, prompted emergency alerts through public broadcasts, social media, and mobile notifications, advising coastal residents to head to higher ground. The maximum wave height measured was about 3.9 inches in Sandpoint, 55 miles from the epicenter.
Alaska is one of the most seismically active regions globally, with significant earthquakes occurring almost annually. The area has experienced several strong earthquakes in recent years, raising concerns but prompting officials to encourage vigilance rather than fear. State seismologist Michael West indicated that this earthquake is part of a larger sequence of seismic activity since 2020.
Officials maintain that community preparedness is crucial, urging those in coastal areas to know designated high ground locations. They emphasized the importance of being aware during seismic events, noting that violent shaking lasting over 20 seconds signals the need to evacuate to higher ground. West expressed concerns about potential burnout in affected communities, having faced multiple evacuations in recent years. The historical context of past tsunamis, like the 1946 earthquake that led to the creation of the U.S. tsunami warning system, highlights the need for ongoing vigilance.
Source link
