A 7.3 magnitude earthquake has rattled the northwestern Popof Island, notably the city of Sand Point, prompting a tsunami advisory from the National Weather Service in Alaska. Sand Point, approximately 600 miles southwest of Anchorage, felt the tremors of the quake that originated 54 miles to its south, as recorded by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
The tsunami advisory, initially classified as a warning, was later downgraded by the agency. It enveloped South Alaska and the Alaska Peninsula right up to Kennedy Entrance and Unimak Pass on the Pacific Coast. Cities such as Cold Bay and Kodiak found themselves within the advisory zone alongside Sand Point.
Kodiak Police have reported that warning sirens were activated in the city, signaling residents to move to higher ground. The expected time of any possible impacts was projected to be around 2:40 p.m. No reports of damage from the earthquake have been registered in Kodiak as yet.
Michael Ashley of Cold Bay Lodge, despite experiencing the shaking, described the earthquake as “not very intense.” Cold Bay, initially under the tsunami warning, appears to be at less risk according to Ashley, who cited the town’s elevation of 100 feet above sea level as a mitigating factor. He also mentioned that such high-magnitude quakes are not uncommon in this region during the summer months.
The significance of this should not be overlooked. While the immediate threat of a tsunami has been downgraded, the situation remains fluid, and residents are urged to stay informed and prepared. The importance of taking all necessary precautions during such events cannot be overstated.