Latest news with #SandPoint
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Powerful 7.3 earthquake rocks Alaska — scientists say more are coming
A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck offshore of Alaska's Peninsula region on July 16, 2025, at 12:37 PM local time, prompting immediate tsunami warnings and evacuations across multiple coastal communities. Hitting 55 miles south of Sand Point, Alaska, the earthquake was felt across a vast area, extending from the immediate epicenter to major cities like Anchorage and Juneau. The earthquake's effects varied dramatically across Alaska's expansive coastline. In tiny Sand Point, the closest community to the epicenter with about 600 residents, locals reported objects flying from pantries and shelves as the ground shook violently. Homer residents described the motion as "mild rolling" with lamps and plants swaying gently. Despite the significant magnitude, luckily, no major structural damage has been reported in communities nearest to the earthquake's source. Alaska tsunami warning issued — then revoked The human response was swift and coordinated. Within minutes of the earthquake, the National Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami warning covering a 700-mile stretch of Alaska's southern coast. Communities from Sand Point to Unalaska quickly activated evacuation procedures, with residents moving to higher ground as a precautionary measure. Video footage on social media showed orderly evacuations in Seward, where tourists and locals alike walked uphill to safety zones. (Alaskan residents are pretty good at this by now!) "We have seen other earthquakes in the area that have not generated significant tsunami waves, but we're treating it seriously and going through our procedures," explained Jeremy Zidek, spokesperson for Alaska's emergency management division. The tsunami warning initially covered communities from 40 miles southwest of Homer to Unimak Pass, affecting major population centers including Kodiak (population 5,200), King Cove (870 residents), and Unalaska (4,100 residents). The U.S. Coast Guard evacuated personnel at its Kodiak base to higher ground as a precautionary measure. Fortunately, the Alaska earthquake generated only minimal water level changes and damage reports remained surprisingly minimal. Sand Point Police Chief Benjamin Allen confirmed no damage to critical infrastructure, including the airport and harbor. The most notable damage occurred at the Alaska Commercial general store, where about half of the alcohol aisle crashed to the floor, creating what manager Vickey McDonald described as a "horrendous" smell from broken bottles of barbecue sauce, pickles, and other liquids. This limited damage pattern reflects both Alaska's experience with seismic activity and the earthquake's offshore location, which reduced the intensity of ground shaking in populated areas. The warning system also worked as designed — officials downgraded the tsunami warning to an advisory within an hour, and completely canceled all alerts by 2:45 PM. The advisory system warned people to stay away from beaches and waterways until the all-clear was given. More earthquakes possible — even likely Naturally, travelers and residents should prepare for continued seismic activity in the region. The U.S. Geological Survey's Aftershock Forecast indicates that at least one magnitude 6 or greater earthquake is possible within the next week, with smaller earthquakes highly likely to continue for the foreseeable future. This prediction reflects the nature of major earthquakes, which typically generate extended sequences of aftershocks as surrounding rock formations adjust to their new stress patterns. While most aftershocks will be smaller than the main event, some can still be significant enough to cause additional concern. For travelers planning visits to Alaska's southern coast, it's important to understand that this region remains seismically active. The Alaska Earthquake Center works continuously with communities to provide tsunami hazard information and evacuation procedures. Visitors should familiarize themselves with local emergency procedures and evacuation routes, particularly in coastal areas. Lastly, this Alaska earthquake serves as a reminder of the state's position in one of the world's most seismically active regions. The strongest earthquake ever recorded in North America occurred in this area in March 1964, when a 9.2-magnitude earthquake devastated Anchorage and generated a tsunami that killed more than 250 people. Modern monitoring systems and community preparedness have significantly improved since then, as demonstrated by the coordinated response to yesterday's event. The Alaska Earthquake Center provides ongoing monitoring and community education, helping ensure that future earthquakes can be managed with the same effectiveness demonstrated during this latest event. Hopefully, we can stay lucky into the future.
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Tsunami warnings canceled after massive earthquake off Alaska triggers threat for US coastline
SAND POINT, Alaska – A massive magnitude 7.3 earthquake that shook off the coast of a group of Alaskan islands on Wednesday afternoon triggered a small tsunami, officials said. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake happened at 12:37 p.m. local time and was pinpointed roughly 54 miles from Sand Point, Alaska, centered about 12 miles deep. Just after the quake, NOAA's National Tsunami Warning Center issued Tsunami Warnings for the immediate Alaska coastline from Kennedy Entrance to Unimak Pass, including all of Kodiak Island, Chignik and Cold Bay. The U.S. Coast Guard reported it evacuated personnel from its base at Kodiak to higher ground and had two air crews stand ready to assist. The agency initially said a tsunami of up to about a foot was possible and alerted those inside the warning that some local impacts could be expected. However, the warning was downgraded to an advisory a little over an hour later as the threat waned, then eventually canceled. A buoy measured a small tsunami at Sand Point, sensing a water rise of just 0.2 feet, or about 3 inches, according to NOAA. What Is A Tsunami? "A tsunami was generated by this event, but no longer poses a threat," the Tsunami Warning Center said. "Some areas may continue to see small sea level changes." There are no initial reports of any damage from either the quake or tsunami. "The entire southern coast of Alaska is a gigantic earthquake zone," said Michael West, seismologist with the Alaska Earthquake Center. "Four out of five earthquakes in the United States happen in Alaska." West said earthquakes happen frequently in that area, though not all of them are as large or even felt at all. "Early signs suggest we're on the lucky side today," he said. 20 Years Later: A Look At The Deadliest Disaster To Strike Earth In Modern History Tsunamis are a series of dangerous waves that can occur after massive movements in terrain, such as earthquakes or landslides. West said seismologists and the Tsunami Warning Center will continue to gather data on the article source: Tsunami warnings canceled after massive earthquake off Alaska triggers threat for US coastline
The Independent
17-07-2025
- Climate
- The Independent
Locals rush to safety as tsunami warning follows 7.3 magnitude Alaska quake
A 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck south of Sand Point on Popof Island, Alaska, on Wednesday. The quake prompted a tsunami warning for a 700-mile stretch of the Alaskan coast, leading local communities to evacuate to higher ground. The Alaska Earthquake Center recorded 40 aftershocks within three hours of the main tremor. Authorities subsequently downgraded and then canceled the tsunami warning, with no significant damage reported. Watch the video in full above.
The Independent
17-07-2025
- Climate
- The Independent
Alaska tsunami warning sends community scrambling for high ground after 7.3 magnitude earthquake
A tsunami warning in Alaska has forced local communities to evacuate to higher ground following a 7.3 magnitude earthquake. Footage shared by Jodie Stevens on Thursday (16 July) shows her and other Seward residents walking up a steep hill towards a church as rain plummets down, with Stevens telling the camera: 'Let's pray we don't get waved.' A warning was issued for a 700-mile stretch of the Alaskan coast after the huge quake hit south of Sand Point on Popof Island on Wednesday (15 July). The Alaska Earthquake Center said there were 40 aftershocks within three hours. Officials later downgraded then cancelled the tsunami warning. There were no reports of significant damage.
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
7.3 Earthquake Off Alaska Peninsula Triggers Tsunami Fears
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued a tsunami warning for the Alaska Peninsula that was later downgraded to an advisory after two earthquakes hit the area this afternoon. News outlets reported that a 0.2-foot tsunami wave was observed off the coast of Sand Point, and the advisory was later canceled. The more substantial earthquake occurred at around 12:38 p.m. local time, off the coast of Sand Point in the center of the peninsula, ABC News reported. With a magnitude of 7.3, it was considered 'major' and capable of causing serious damage. Earthquakes in the 'major' range are relatively rare; on average, only 10 to 15 occur globally each year, according to data collected by the Michigan Technological University. However, the Sand Point earthquake was the second that Alaskans in the region experienced that day. Earlier that day, a 5.4 magnitude earthquake, considered 'moderate,' hit 40 miles off the coast of Atka Island along the same peninsula. While both of Wednesday's earthquakes occurred underwater, limiting the immediate danger to surrounding people or settlements, the National Weather Service still put a tsunami advisory in effect. Anyone in the region was advised to move to higher ground. Further, the Alaska Earthquake Center reported the quakes were strong enough to feel on land throughout the peninsula, which borders Anchorage. Though the peninsula is sparsely populated, roughly 1,500 people live in the region, most of them Alaska Natives.
