Powerful 7.3 Earthquake Strikes Alaska: Tsunami Warning Issued and Later Canceled

7.3‑Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Off Alaska, Sparking Tsunami Alert

A sudden jolt shook Alaska on July 16, 2025. A powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake hit just 50–55 miles south of Sand Point, setting off tsunami warnings for coastal communities across southern Alaska and the Peninsula. Here’s what unfolded and what people need to know.

The Earthquake Explained

• The quake struck at around 12:37 p.m. AKDT, with its epicenter about 20 km deep just off the Aleutian Coast
  
• It was felt as far north as Anchorage, nearly 600 miles away and triggered dozens of aftershocks, including several above magnitude 5.
  

From Warning to Advisory

• Authorities issued a tsunami warning covering a 700-mile stretch from Kennedy Entrance to Unimak Pass, affecting Sedna Points like Cold Bay, Kodiak, King Cove, Unalaska, and more.
  
• After waves of about 2 inches were measured at Sand Point, the warning was downgraded to an advisory, then canceled a few hours later.
  
• No fatalities or major damage reported but residents saw minor items shaken off shelves.

What This Means for Alaska

• Despite the scare, no tsunami struck major communities, just small coastal surges
• Alaska’s position on the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it prone to giant quakes—historical disasters include the 1964 9.2 quake and the 1958 Lituya Bay megatsunami.
  
• This event highlights the ongoing seismic activity, especially near the Subduction Zone south of Sand Point.
  

Community Response & Safety

• Evacuations and shelter-in-place orders were issued in places like Kodiak and Seward; sirens sounded across coastal towns.
  
• Despite initial panic, emergency systems worked effectively, and alerts were cleared within hours .
  
• Officials confirmed no threat to outside regions such as the Pacific Northwest, Washington, Oregon, California, or Hawaii.
  

Conclusion

Alaska just faced another reminder of its seismic reality. Although the 7.3 quake triggered a tsunami scare and temporary local alarms, the actual impact was limited. Thanks to fast-response systems, no serious damage or loss of life occurred. But the event underlines why coastal residents and authorities must stay alert and ready.

For the most detailed reporting and updates, read the full coverage by LiveMint.