Tsunami warning issued to Alaskan Peninsula following massive 7.3-magnitude earthquake
A 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of Alaska, prompting a tsunami warning across the state’s southern peninsula.
The massive temblor hit about 54 miles south of Sand Point around 4:30 p.m. EST, according to the US Geological Survey. The National Weather Service promptly warned that a tsunami could be imminent.
Few people live on the peninsula, which is home to the Alaska Peninsula Wildlife National Preserve, but a number of small settlements are dotted along the coastal landscape.
“We have seen other earthquakes in the area that have not generated significant tsunami waves, but we’re treating it seriously and going through our procedures, making sure communities are notified so they can activate their evacuation procedures,” a spokesman for the state’s emergency management said.
