A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of Alaska early Wednesday morning, July 16, prompting the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center to issue a tsunami warning for an approximately 700-mile (1,126 km) stretch of that state’s coastline.
The alert affects several coastal communities, many of them small and remote, but also some more populated ones such as Kodiak.
Where was the tsunami warning issued?
The warning extends from an area about 40 miles (64 km) southwest of the city of Homer to Unimak Pass in the Aleutian Island chain.
Communities within the affected area include:
Kodiak, with a population of approximately 5,200 people.
Sand Point, a town of 580 inhabitants on Popof Island, where the first tsunami waves were expected to arrive.
Unalaska, a major fishing port with about 4,100 residents, where authorities urged evacuation to elevated areas at least 50 feet (15 meters) above sea level or more than a mile inland.
King Cove, on the Alaska Peninsula, where about 870 people live. Here, too, warnings were issued for residents to head for higher ground.
Response from the authorities
The quake was felt in several regions of southern Alaska, although no structural damage or casualties were immediately reported.
Local authorities activated evacuation protocols in vulnerable coastal areas as a precautionary measure, while the National Tsunami Center closely monitors ocean activity to detect any changes.
For its part, the Washington State Emergency Management Division reported that it is coordinating with the National Tsunami Warning Center to assess whether there is any risk to the Pacific Northwest coast, which includes the states of Washington and Oregon.
So far, no specific warning has been issued for these states, but vigilance is being maintained.
What to do if you live in coastal areas?
If you are part of the Hispanic community residing in coastal areas of Alaska or Northwest Alaska, it is critical:
Stay informed through official sources such as the U.S . Geological Survey (USGS) or your local emergency management office.
Have a family evacuation plan ready.
Identify safe routes to high ground.
Avoid beaches and low-lying areas while the warning is in effect.
The earthquake is a reminder of the importance of being prepared for natural events in any part of the country, especially in seismically active areas such as Alaska and the U.S. West Coast.
Authorities will continue to monitor and update the situation in the coming hours.
The warning extends from an area about 40 miles (64 km) southwest of the city of Homer to Unimak Pass in the Aleutian Island chain
QueOnnda.com
