7.3-Magnitude Quake Shakes Alaska’s Coast, Triggers Tsunami Alert Across Aleutian Region

A powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck Alaska’s southern coast on Wednesday, July 16, prompting a short-lived tsunami warning and a flurry of emergency responses in several remote communities.

The quake was centered south of Sand Point, located along the Aleutian Islands, a seismically active region known for its frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. Tremors were felt as far as Anchorage, although the city itself was not under threat.

Shortly after the earthquake, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami warning. That alert was soon downgraded to an advisory and then canceled altogether by mid-afternoon.

The advisory zone stretched from about 40 miles southwest of Homer to Unimak Pass, covering roughly 700 miles of Alaska’s rugged and mostly rural coastline. Multiple deep-ocean buoys went into tsunami detection mode, signaling disturbances in the water. A minor wave measuring just 0.2 feet was recorded at Sand Point.

Despite the relatively small wave, precautionary measures were quickly activated. Residents in Sand Point, Unalaska, King Cove, and Kodiak were urged to evacuate low-lying coastal areas. Unalaska officials recommended moving at least 50 feet above sea level and one mile inland. In Kodiak, schools were opened as emergency shelters for evacuees.

An hour after the quake, state emergency management reported no injuries or property damage. Jeremy Zidek, a spokesperson for the agency, stated that while past quakes in the region have not always triggered damaging tsunamis, every event is treated seriously to ensure public safety.

Authorities in Washington state and Hawaii confirmed there was no tsunami risk to their regions after analyzing data from offshore monitoring systems. Anchorage Emergency Management also clarified that the city was not in any danger, although alerts were sent out as a precaution.

Officials continue to advise people to remain cautious near harbors, bays, and inlets, even after advisories are lifted, due to the potential for unpredictable water movement.

This incident highlights the importance of Alaska’s early warning systems and community readiness in one of the most seismically active areas in the world.