A powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck off Alaska’s coast on Wednesday at 12:38 p.m. local time, triggering a tsunami warning that forced thousands of residents to evacuate to higher ground. The quake’s epicenter was located southeast of Sand Point near the Shumagin Islands, south of the Alaska Peninsula.
Emergency sirens and phone alerts warned people from Kennedy Entrance near Homer to Unimak Pass near Unalaska to evacuate immediately. Homer’s mayor, Rachel Lord, described heavy traffic as people rushed to safety.
Officials warned that tsunamis could impact the eastern Aleutian Islands, Alaska Peninsula, and Kodiak Island. Dramatic images showed the ocean receding along the coast, a common tsunami precursor. A small tsunami was confirmed, with water levels rising about three inches, but it no longer poses a threat.
The tsunami warning was downgraded to an advisory about 90 minutes later and then canceled by 12:45 p.m. Residents were advised to remain cautious for up to 24 hours due to possible sea level changes.