Magnitude 7.2 earthquake off southern Alaska coast triggers brief tsunami advisory | PBS NewsHour
A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck southern Alaska, triggering a brief tsunami advisory that was later canceled, according to monitoring bodies. The earthquake was felt across the Aleutian Islands, the Alaskan Peninsula, and Cook Inlet regions. Sirens sounded in Kodiak, Alaska, warning of a potential tsunami, prompting residents to seek shelter. The quake occurred 106 kilometers (65.8 miles) south of Sand Point, Alaska, initially reported as 7.4 magnitude but later downgraded to 7.2.
The U.S. National Weather Service issued a tsunami advisory for coastal Alaska, but it was clarified that Kodiak Island and the Kenai Peninsula were not expected to be affected. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency confirmed that there was no threat to the islands. Several aftershocks were reported in the same area, including one measuring 5.0 magnitude within three minutes of the initial earthquake.
Residents were advised not to return to hazard zones without clearance from local emergency officials. Although small sea level changes were still possible, the situation was deemed under control. Alaska is known for its high seismic activity, experiencing thousands of earthquakes each year. The state holds the record for the second-largest earthquake ever recorded, a magnitude 9.2 event in 1964. The recent earthquake occurred in the same region as previous significant earthquakes, indicating increased activity in the area.
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