7.3 Quake Hits Southern Alaska, Triggers Evacuations, A 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck near Alaska’s Shumagin Islands on Wednesday at 12:38 p.m. local time, prompting mass evacuations along the southern coast.
Tsunami Warnings and Quick Response
Tsunami warnings were briefly issued from Homer to Unimak Pass, with sirens and emergency alerts urging people to higher ground. In Homer, Mayor Rachel Lord reported traffic jams as people fled coastal areas.
Though waves raised sea levels by about three inches, the tsunami threat was quickly downgraded and fully lifted within two hours. Residents were still advised to remain cautious for at least 24 hours.
Aftershocks and Expert Comments
Over 20 aftershocks followed, the strongest at magnitude 5.2. Seismologist Michael West noted Alaska’s high seismic activity, saying, “It looks like we got lucky this time.”
No Threat Beyond Alaska
The quake’s impact was limited to Alaska. Towns like Kodiak and King Cove activated emergency plans, but no damage or injuries were reported.
This event echoes Alaska’s history of powerful quakes, including the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake—the strongest in U.S. history.
