7.3 Magnitude Earthquake Hits US’ Alaska, Tsunami Warning Issued

• A 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of Alaska on Wednesday.

• The tremor occurred at 12:37 PM local time (20:37 GMT).

• Epicenter: ~54 miles (87 km) south of Sand Point, Alaska.

• Depth: Relatively shallow at 20.1 kilometers, increasing its potential impact.

• Issued by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

Tsunami Warning Issued

• A tsunami warning was declared for:

  • South Alaska and the Alaska Peninsula

  • Pacific coast from Kennedy Entrance (SW of Homer) to Unimak Pass (NE of Unalaska)

• NTWC (National Tsunami Warning Center) confirmed:

  • “A tsunami has been confirmed, and some impacts are expected.”

• No tsunami warning for regions beyond Alaska at this time.

🔎 Background & Context

• Alaska lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a highly active seismic zone.

• In March 1964, Alaska was hit by a 9.2-magnitude earthquake—the strongest in North American history.

  • It devastated Anchorage and triggered tsunamis reaching the U.S. West Coast and Hawaii.

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