7.3-Magnitude Earthquake Triggers Alaska Tsunami Evacuations

A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck about 50 miles south of Sand Point, Alaska, triggering tsunami warnings along a 700-mile stretch of the southern coast. Authorities quickly ordered evacuations to higher ground in communities including Sand Point, Kodiak, and Unalaska, but the tsunami warning was downgraded to an advisory within about an hour and then canceled entirely after no significant waves were detected. The highest water level recorded was just 2.5 inches above the usual tide at Sand Point, and damage was minimal, limited mainly to some broken items in a local store. Over 20 aftershocks followed the initial quake, the largest measuring 5.2 magnitude. Officials emphasized caution and adherence to evacuation protocols, noting the area's history with major earthquakes and tsunamis, including the 1964 9.2-magnitude event. Emergency services, including the U.S. Coast Guard, responded promptly to the alerts, but no major damage or injuries were reported.