A massive earthquake struck off the southern coast of Alaska yesterday.
This prompted an emergency response with a major tsunami warning declared across the state’s southern peninsula.
The huge temblor hit nearly 54 miles south of Sand Point at 4:30 pm EST as per the US Geological Survey. The National Weather Service promptly warned that the tsunami could be unavoidable, cautioning citizens in the nearby vicinity to take shelter.
Officials mentioned how few people live on the peninsula, which is home to the Alaska Peninsula Wildlife National Preserve. But there were also several small settlements dotted alongside the coastal landscape.
We have seen so many earthquakes in that area that haven’t generated major tsunami waves, but they are treating it very seriously and going through the right protocols and procedures to ensure everyone’s safety, the statement released mentioned.
All communities were notified so they could begin activating the whole evacuation procedure, as stated by the state’s emergency management. Nearly one hour after the quake struck, there were zero reports of any damage taking place from water waves. A while after that, the warning for the tsunami was lowered to just an advisory as officials remain on alert.