Powerful 7.3-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Alaska, Tsunami Warning Issued

Melbourne, July 17 — A powerful earthquake has struck off the coast of the U.S. state of Alaska, registering a magnitude of 7.3 on the Richter scale. Following the intense tremor, a tsunami warning has been issued.

The information was confirmed by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), according to a report published by news agency AFP on Thursday (July 17).

The earthquake occurred at 12:37 p.m. local time on Wednesday. The epicenter was located about 54 miles (87 kilometers) south of the town of Sand Point, at a relatively shallow depth of 20.1 kilometers.

Immediately after the quake, a tsunami warning was issued for southern Alaska and the Alaska Peninsula. The National Tsunami Warning Center in Palmer, Alaska, confirmed the presence of a tsunami and warned that some impact could be expected.

The warning applies to the Pacific coastline stretching from Kennedy Entrance (about 40 miles southwest of Homer) to Unimak Pass (roughly 80 miles northeast of Unalaska).

According to preliminary assessments, no immediate warnings were issued for areas outside Alaska.

Alaska lies along the Pacific Ocean’s “Ring of Fire,” one of the most seismically active regions in the world.

In March 1964, Alaska was hit by a catastrophic 9.2-magnitude earthquake—the strongest ever recorded in North America. That quake devastated the city of Anchorage and triggered a massive tsunami that struck the Gulf of Alaska, the U.S. West Coast, and the Hawaiian Islands, killing more than 250 people.

More recently, in July 2023, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake hit the Alaska Peninsula, though it caused little reported damage.

However, the presence of a tsunami threat from the latest quake has prompted local authorities to remain on high alert.