A tsunami warning issued for southern Alaska on Wednesday was lifted after a major earthquake struck near Sand Point in the Aleutian Islands. The magnitude 7.3 quake, which struck at 12:37 p.m. Alaska time, initially prompted widespread alerts and evacuation efforts but ultimately resulted in only minor tsunami activity.
Tsunami Alerts and Wave Observations
Shortly after the earthquake occurred, the National Tsunami Warning Centre issued a warning for coastal areas stretching from Unalaska to Kodiak. Emergency sirens were activated in several communities, and residents were urged to move to higher ground.
By 1:50 p.m., the warning was downgraded to a tsunami advisory. Less than an hour later, by 2:45 p.m., the advisory was cancelled altogether after officials determined the tsunami threat had passed.
According to reports from the Kodiak Emergency Operations Centre, a small tsunami wave, approximately six inches high, was recorded near Kodiak. The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed the observation, though the exact location of the measurement remained unclear.
In Sand Point, small tsunami waves were also reported, but no injuries or property damage occurred.
Earthquake Epicentre and Seismic Activity
The earthquake’s epicentre was located about 83 miles southeast of King Cove, close to Sand Point along the seismically active Aleutian Trench. The quake struck at a shallow depth, which often raises concerns about tsunami generation, though this event produced only minimal wave action.
Following the mainshock, over 20 aftershocks were detected, with the most substantial reaching a magnitude of 5.2, according to the Alaska Earthquake Centre.
State Seismologist Michael West noted that seismic activity of this kind is every day in the Aleutians, but the frequency of large quakes in recent years is notable.
“Since 2020, this small section of the Aleutian chain has experienced five earthquakes above magnitude 7.0,” West said. “That’s unusual and suggests heightened geological activity in the region.”
West added that aftershocks are expected to continue for weeks or months, though most will likely be smaller than the initial quake.
Community Response and Evacuations
Communities across southern Alaska quickly reacted to the initial tsunami warnings. In Kodiak, the U.S. Coast Guard evacuated personnel at Base Kodiak to higher ground as a precaution and launched aircraft crews to monitor the situation.
In Homer, city officials ordered evacuations from the low-lying Homer Spit, a popular area for tourists and residents alike. Mayor Rachel Lord stated that the evacuation led to brief traffic congestion as people rushed to leave the area.
“Right after the warning went out, we saw bumper-to-bumper traffic leaving the Spit,” Lord said. “Fortunately, by the time the all-clear came, everyone was safe and no one was hurt.”
The Homer Police Department issued advisories on social media, urging residents from Kennedy Entrance to Unimak Pass to move inland until the risk passed. The Coast Guard and state homeland security officials later confirmed the area was no longer under threat.
In Anchorage, the Office of Emergency Management reassured the public that there was no danger to the city from the tsunami.
Eyewitness Accounts from Sand Point
Residents in Sand Point, located near the quake’s epicentre, described intense shaking that lasted for several seconds. Debi Schmidt, the city administrator, recounted her experience.
“I was at home eating lunch when it started,” Schmidt said. “The house was shaking so hard that cupboard doors flew open and dishes started to fall. It was the biggest earthquake I’ve ever felt, but thankfully, there’s no damage to report.”
Local officials in Sand Point said that while the quake rattled nerves, buildings remained intact and utilities were still functioning.
Ongoing Monitoring and Preparedness
Dave Snider, a tsunami warning coordinator with the National Tsunami Warning Centre, said the earthquake’s shallow depth initially raised concerns, but the actual tsunami impact was minimal.
“These types of events remind us of the importance of readiness,” Snider said. “Even when the tsunami is small, it’s critical for people to respond quickly and take warnings seriously.”
Alaska is located within the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area where tectonic plates collide, resulting in frequent seismic activity. Experts continue to monitor the region closely for additional aftershocks or potential secondary earthquakes.
Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and maintain their emergency preparedness plans as aftershocks continue.
This story will be updated as new information becomes available.
