Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami Alert Update
What Happened
- On July 16, 2025, a massive earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2–7.3 struck off the coast of the Alaska Peninsula, near Sand Point.
- The quake occurred around 12:37 p.m. local time at a shallow depth, making it widely felt across the region.
- Multiple aftershocks followed, some reaching a magnitude of
Tsunami Threat and Warnings
- A tsunami warning was immediately issued for a 700-mile stretch of southern coastal Alaska, extending from Kennedy Entrance (near Homer) to Unimak Pass.
- Cities initially at risk included Sand Point, Cold Bay, and Kodiak. Residents in these areas were urged to evacuate to higher ground.
- Warnings and subsequent advisories prompted evacuations and operational precautions, including US Coast Guard personnel relocating in Kodiak
Alert Downgrade and Cancelation
- Within about two hours, the tsunami warning was downgraded to an advisory, and then fully canceled after monitoring confirmed only minor waves and no threat of widespread inundation.
- The National Tsunami Warning Center reported only a small wave of about 0.2 feet (6.1 cm) was detected at Sand Point, and no significant waves reached other regions.
- There was no tsunami danger to major US coastal cities such as Anchorage, nor to the lower 48 states or Hawaii
Impacts and Current Status
- No significant damage or injuries have been reported from the earthquake or the tsunami threat.
- Residents along the Alaskan coast were advised to remain cautious and avoid beaches and waterways until officials confirmed it was safe to return.
- Emergency protocols were enacted and local authorities remain vigilant for aftershocks and any secondary hazards
Key Points
- Alaska’s coast, part of the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” regularly experiences significant seismic activity, including some of North America’s strongest earthquakes in history.
- While the rapid response systems functioned as intended, the event highlights the importance of local readiness for future hazards of this nature
In summary:
The recent earthquake off Alaska prompted emergency tsunami warnings and short-term evacuations for parts of the US coastline. All tsunami alerts have since been lifted, and there is no ongoing threat to US coastal communities