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A 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck just south of Sand Point, Alaska, on Wednesday evening, triggering a tsunami warning and prompting residents in several remote coastal towns to flee to higher ground.
The quake, which hit 54 miles south of Sand Point on Popof Island, set off sirens, emergency broadcasts, and a National Weather Service (NWS) alert advising residents in Cold Bay, Kodiak, and Sand Point to evacuate immediately.
The National Tsunami Warning Center initially declared a tsunami “imminent”, with concerns of dangerous waves and currents hitting the Alaska Peninsula from Kennedy Entrance to Unimak Pass.
Residents Flee as Sirens Sound
Footage shared on social media platforms including Snapchat showed residents running inland, and some captured water dramatically receding from the shoreline — a warning sign of a potential incoming wave.
Authorities instructed people to seek higher ground or go at least one mile inland, stressing that the first wave may not be the largest.
However, as the situation developed, the tsunami warning was downgraded to an advisory.
“Tsunami advisories mean that a tsunami capable of producing strong currents or dangerous waves is expected, but **widespread flooding is not,” said the NWS. “Currents may be hazardous for hours.”
No Widespread Damage Reported
As of 11:15pm local time, no casualties or significant structural damage had been reported, though officials were continuing to assess the region, which is sparsely populated and rugged.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) recorded several aftershocks in the hours following the quake, adding to tensions across the region.
Evacuation Zones and Safety Measures
Communities affected included:
- Sand Point
- Cold Bay
- Kodiak
- Unimak Pass area
The Kenai Peninsula Borough, closer to Anchorage, was declared safe from tsunami impact, allowing residents there to stand down from any immediate threat.
Ongoing Monitoring
The Alaska Earthquake Center and the National Weather Service continue to monitor seismic activity in the area. Residents are urged to:
- Stay away from beaches and harbours
- Monitor local news and official alerts
- Be prepared for further evacuation orders or tremors
For real-time alerts and updates, Alaskans can follow @NWS_NTWC and local emergency management on social media, and tune in to NOAA Weather Radio for updates.
If you’re in a tsunami advisory area, do not enter the water. Strong currents may still pose danger for hours.
