A powerful tsunami has struck the southern coast of Alaska following a massive undersea earthquake early this morning. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake had a magnitude of 8.2, triggering immediate tsunami warnings and forcing thousands of residents to flee low-lying areas.
Waves of up to 6 meters (20 feet) have been reported, battering coastal communities, sweeping away boats and vehicles and causing damage to infrastructure. Emergency services are actively working on evacuations and assessing the extent of the damage.
Authorities urged residents of Anchorage, Kodiak, and nearby towns to move to higher ground as sirens sounded throughout the early hours of the day. So far, no fatalities have been confirmed, but multiple injuries and missing people have been reported.
Authorities warn of the potential for aftershocks and new waves. The National Weather Service continues to closely monitor the situation and has issued warnings for the entire Pacific coast.
Anchorage, Alaska — A powerful undersea earthquake struck off the southern coast of Alaska earlier today, triggering a massive tsunami that has already impacted several coastal areas. Authorities are urging residents in low-lying and coastal zones to evacuate immediately as more waves are expected.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake occurred at approximately 7:42 AM local time, with a preliminary magnitude of 8.3. The epicenter was located about 120 miles southeast of Kodiak Island, at a depth of around 25 kilometers beneath the ocean floor.
Within minutes of the quake, the National Tsunami Warning Center issued tsunami warnings for large portions of Alaska’s southern coast, including the Aleutian Islands, the Kenai Peninsula, and parts of southeastern Alaska. Tsunami sirens were activated across the affected regions, and emergency services began rapidly mobilizing.
Early footage from Kodiak, Seward, and Homer shows strong waves inundating harbors, damaging boats, and sweeping debris inland. Several roads near the shoreline have been flooded or destroyed, and local officials are reporting structural damage in multiple towns. No casualties have been confirmed at this time, but search and rescue operations are ongoing.
Governor Laura Dunleavy has declared a state of emergency and has activated the Alaska National Guard to assist in evacuation efforts and emergency response.
“This is a serious and evolving situation,” Governor Dunleavy stated in a press conference. “We urge everyone in tsunami-prone areas to move to higher ground and follow instructions from local authorities. Do not wait.”
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warned that additional waves could arrive over the next several hours, and their size may vary. Residents across the Pacific, including in Hawaii and parts of the West Coast of the United States, are also being closely monitored for potential tsunami threats.
Airports across southern Alaska have been temporarily closed, and ferry services have been suspended. Emergency shelters have been opened at schools and community centers inland, and officials are asking residents to bring essential items and prepare for temporary displacement.
Authorities are urging people not to return to evacuated zones until given the all-clear, as aftershocks or additional waves may follow.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for more updates as information becomes available.