A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of Alaska on Tuesday, prompting a tsunami warning for parts of the state’s southern peninsula.
The quake occurred around 4:30 p.m. EST, about 54 miles south of Sand Point, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
The National Weather Service quickly issued a tsunami warning, raising concerns about possible waves along the coastline.
A map released by NOAA showed the affected areas, highlighting portions of the Alaska Peninsula under the tsunami threat.
While the region is sparsely populated, it includes the Alaska Peninsula Wildlife National Preserve and several small coastal communities.
“We’ve had other quakes in the area that didn’t generate significant tsunami waves, but we’re treating this seriously,”
a state emergency management spokesperson said. “We’re making sure communities are notified and ready to evacuate if needed.”
About an hour after the quake, there were no reports of damage or tsunami activity. Authorities continued to monitor the
situation closely. Soon after, the tsunami warning was downgraded to a