Strong 7.3‑Magnitude Quake Rocks Alaska
On July 16, 2025, at approximately 12:37 p.m. AKDT, a significant 7.3‑magnitude earthquake struck off the Alaska Peninsula, near Sand Point, at a depth of around 15 km. Despite its intensity, reports confirm no major structural damage or injuries.
Tsunami Warning, Advisory, and Cancellation
The National Tsunami Warning Center immediately issued a tsunami warning affecting a 700‑mile stretch from Kennedy Entrance to Unimak Pass, including communities such as Kodiak, Sand Point, Unalaska, and King Cove. Residents were urged to evacuate to higher ground. Within an hour, the warning was downgraded to an advisory, and by approximately 2:45 p.m., all alerts were lifted after only modest sea-level changes were observed.
Height of Waves Detected
The highest wave measured was just 3.9 inches (10 cm) at Sand Point during low tide. Elsewhere, waves of only around 0.2 feet (6 cm) were recorded—far below levels required to cause concern.
Local Response and Preparedness
Emergency procedures activated included sirens, radio broadcasts, social media alerts, and door‑to‑door notifications. Coastal communities established higher‑ground evacuation zones, such as schools, and the U.S. Coast Guard temporarily evacuated personnel in Kodiak before standing down once the threat was reconsidered.
Context: Alaska’s Seismic Profile
Alaska is the most seismically active U.S. state, with magnitude‑7 quakes occurring almost annually. This was the fifth quake above magnitude 7 in the Aleutian region since 2020. The 1964 Anchorage quake, at magnitude 9.2, remains the largest recorded in North America.
Why Public Alerts Matter
Officials emphasize the need to take warnings seriously and avoid complacency. If the ground shakes for more than 20 seconds in a coastal area, immediate movement to higher ground is recommended—especially given that past quakes, like those in 1946 and 1958, triggered deadly tsunamis.
Trivia & Historical Earthquakes
- 1964 Anchorage quake: Magnitude 9.2, killed ~130 people and led to the creation of the U.S. Tsunami Warning system.
- 1946 Aleutian quake: Generated a massive Pacific tsunami that claimed over 165 lives.
- 1958 Lituya Bay quake: Caused a megatsunami wave 524 m high—the tallest in recent history.
- Magnitude‑7 earthquakes hit Alaska nearly once a year.
Final Takeaway
A 7.3‑magnitude earthquake off the Alaska Peninsula triggered swift tsunami alerts, precautionary evacuations, and rapid cancellation once minor wave activity was confirmed. This underscores the state’s high seismic risk and the critical importance of timely public communication during natural disasters.
Source: Abp News