7.3 magnitude earthquake triggers tsunami concerns in Alaska
- A strong 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck near Sand Point, Alaska, at 12:37 p.m. local time.
- The initial tsunami warning covered a stretch of 700 miles along Alaska's southern coast, impacting cities like Kodiak and Cold Bay.
- The tsunami warning was eventually downgraded to an advisory with no significant damage reported, but residents were urged to remain cautious.
On July 16, 2025, an impactful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.3 occurred offshore, primarily affecting the area south of Sand Point, Alaska, which is located on Popof Island in the Aleutian chain. The tremor struck at approximately 12:37 p.m. local time, causing immediate concerns regarding potential tsunami impacts. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the earthquake was centered around 54 miles south of Sand Point, prompting authorities to issue tsunami warnings that extended over a 700-mile stretch of Alaska's southern coastline, including cities like Kodiak and Cold Bay. Evacuation orders were issued for coastal communities, suggesting that residents move to higher ground due to possible rough seas and dangerous currents. As part of the response, the National Weather Service downgraded the tsunami warning to an advisory, indicating that the risk of significant coastal inundation was low. Reports confirmed that while aftershocks were felt in nearby areas, there were no significant damages recorded within the crucial first hour following the quake. Communities had begun to mobilize emergency protocols, including moving personnel from the U.S. Coast Guard base in Kodiak to higher ground, but it was later determined that the threat had diminished significantly, leading to the cessation of urgent evacuation measures. Throughout this period, officials had cautioned residents to remain cautious near coastlines and waterways. Water level changes were possible but not expected to result in widespread devastation. This multi-layered response showcased Alaska's preparedness for seismic events, given its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area well-known for significant geological activity. The earthquake's shallow depth of approximately 12 miles contributed to the seismic effects felt throughout southern Alaska, giving rise to previous tremors, including an earlier magnitude 5.2 quake earlier that same day. As this story continued to develop, residents remained on alert, adhering to local guidance while awaiting further updates from emergency management and geological survey authorities. The occurrence of this earthquake is another reminder of the seismic nature of the region, where the strongest earthquake recorded in North America, a 9.2 magnitude, devastated Anchorage in 1964, illustrating the ongoing risks faced by communities living along these active fault lines.