An earthquake of 7.2 on the Richter scale hit the Alaska Peninsula on Wednesday, reports the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ). The strong earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres (6.21 miles), triggering fears of damage.
After the quake, the US Tsunami Warning System had issued a tsunami warning for coastal Alaska. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and heed safety guidelines.
Emergency officials are keeping a tab on the situation, and more information is awaited.
Alaska’s Seismic Activity Explained
Alaska is the most seismically active state in the United States and is responsible for about 11% of the global earthquakes and 17.5% of those in the country. The seismically high activity is caused by its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where the Pacific Plate is being subducted beneath the North American Plate along the Alaska-Aleutian Megathrust, a large fault zone more than 2,500 miles long.
This tectonic boundary has caused some of the world’s biggest earthquakes, including the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake, a magnitude 9.2 quake that is still the strongest recorded in North America and the second largest worldwide.
Local Response and Evacuation Efforts
According to local news outlets and geological agencies, the 7.2 quake struck at approximately [insert time if available], rattling communities near the coast and causing temporary power outages in certain areas. Although no immediate damage has been confirmed, emergency crews are conducting assessments of infrastructure, buildings, and roads across the affected zone.
Preparedness and Continued Monitoring
The tsunami warning prompted evacuations in low-lying coastal communities as a precautionary measure. Sirens were reportedly sounded in some towns, and shelters were opened to accommodate residents until authorities could confirm safety.
Residents are encouraged to stay tuned to official updates and to follow instructions from local emergency management agencies. Seismologists are also monitoring potential aftershocks that may follow the major quake.
