7.3 Earthquake Rattles Southern Alaska, Triggers Evacuations

A 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck near Alaska’s Shumagin Islands on Wednesday at 12:38 p.m. local time, prompting

widespread evacuations. Emergency alerts covered areas from Homer to Unimak Pass, urging residents to move inland or to higher ground.

Homer’s Mayor Rachel Lord reported heavy traffic during the evacuation. Tsunami warnings were briefly issued for Kodiak Island,

the Alaska Peninsula, and the eastern Aleutians after sea levels rose three inches. NOAA’s David Snider confirmed

a tsunami was generated but said the threat passed quickly. Warnings were downgraded within 90 minutes and fully lifted by 12:45 p.m.

Despite the lifted advisory, residents were told to remain cautious for 24 hours due to possible wave fluctuations.

Emergency shelters opened in Kodiak and other areas. Over 20 aftershocks followed, the largest measuring 5.2.

Seismologist Michael West noted Alaska’s southern coast is among the most earthquake-prone in the U.S.,

accounting for 80% of national quakes. Fortunately, this event caused no major damage.

This quake echoes Alaska’s seismic history, including the devastating 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake (9.2 magnitude),

which triggered tsunamis reaching as far as Japan. Officials remind residents to stay alert and prepared in this volatile region.