7.2 magnitude earthquake hits Alaska, tsunami advisory for some parts of US state

Photo / NZME

A more than seven-magnitude earthquake hit the Alaskan Peninsula this evening.

The US National Tsunami Warning Center issued a warning for some areas of Alaska.

Anchorage, the state’s largest city of about 290,000 people, was not affected by the warning.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) said the quake initially measured as a 7.4 magnitude but was later revised to a 7.2 after a review by seismologists.

The depth of the earthquake in the largest US state by area was recorded as 32.6km by the USGS.

The USGS also reported a 5.7 earthquake followed the larger quake just three minutes later in the same area. Further earthquakes were recorded in the area, including a 4.4 and 4.6 magnitude tremor.

The National Weather Service (NWS) Anchorage warned that “significant inundation is possible or already occurring. Move inland to higher ground.”

NWS Juneau, in Alaska’s capital, said the tsunami warning has now been downgraded to an advisory.

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency said there was no threat to the islands.

Update 1147PM: Area reduced and downgraded to an Advisory. #akwx pic.twitter.com/k3gape18nm

— NWS Juneau (@NWSJuneau) July 16, 2023