WASHINGTON: A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of the Alaska Peninsula late on Saturday, triggering a tsunami warning, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The shallow earthquake occurred at 10:48 pm on Saturday local time (0648 GMT Sunday), approximately 55 miles (89 kilometers) southwest of the small town of Sand Point, the USGS reported.
Following the earthquake, the National Tsunami Warning Center in Palmer, Alaska, issued a tsunami warning for south Alaska and the Alaska Peninsula. The center is currently assessing the level of tsunami danger for other Pacific coasts in North America, including the US and Canadian regions.
Frequent Earthquakes in Alaska
Alaska, located within the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, frequently experiences earthquakes due to tectonic plate movements.
In March 1964, Alaska was hit by a devastating 9.2-magnitude earthquake, the strongest ever recorded in North America. The earthquake caused widespread destruction in Anchorage and generated a tsunami that impacted the Gulf of Alaska, the US west coast, and even Hawaii. Tragically, more than 250 people lost their lives in the aftermath of the quake and tsunami.
As authorities closely monitor the situation, residents and coastal communities in the affected areas are urged to follow evacuation orders and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
