Tsunami Warning Issued After 7.3

1. Powerful Quake Hits Alaska

At 12:38 p.m. local time, the US Geological Survey (USGS) recorded a 7.3 magnitude earthquake southeast of Sand Point,

near the Shumagin Islands off the Alaska Peninsula.

Sirens and phone alerts urged residents from Homer to Unalaska to evacuate immediately.

“There was a lot of bumper-to-bumper traffic,” said Homer Mayor Rachel Lord.

2. Tsunami Warning Issued

A tsunami was confirmed, according to David Snider of the NOAA, though it caused only minor waves of about three inches.

“A tsunami was generated by this event, but no longer poses a threat,” the Tsunami Warning Center stated.

3. Emergency Response

Shelters opened at Kodiak High School and North Star Elementary as panic spread.

One resident in Seward said nervously, “Just pray we don’t get waved.”

4. Aftershocks and Context

Over 20 aftershocks followed, the strongest at magnitude 5.2. Seismologist Michael West said,

“The entire southern coast of Alaska is a gigantic earthquake zone… Early signs suggest we’re on the lucky side today.”