According to the U.S., the magnitude-8.2 earthquake occurred approximately 60 miles off Perryville. Geological Survey
Michael West, a state seismologist at the Alaska Earthquake Center, stated that “this is the strongest earthquake to occur in Alaska since 1965.”
There were no reports immediately of any injuries or major damage.
The National Tsunami Warning Center (Palmer) later stated that waves from the earthquake were unlikely to exceed a foot after the tsunami warnings.
According to Dave Snider (a coordinator for tsunami warnings with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), “The good news about this is that it doesn’t look like a very significant event.” He warned that there could still be danger in harbors and bays.
Snider stated that strong currents are still possible and that it’s likely we’ll sustain some damage, but not catastrophic.
As sirens wailed, Alaskans evacuated from Seward to Kodiak to Sand Point in anticipation of the tsunami warnings.
Anchorage residents received tsunami alerts via their cellphones Wednesday night. However, the Anchorage Office of Emergency Management stated that there are “no known current concern” for the municipality.
Alaska was affected by the earthquake.
The Alaska Earthquake Center reported 14 aftershocks with magnitudes 4 or greater within the first 2 hours following the earthquake. Eight minutes after the magnitude 8.2, the largest magnitude was 5.9
