A tsunami warning was issued Tuesday for parts of Alaska’s southern peninsula following a powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake off the state’s southern coast.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake struck around 4:30 p.m. EST, approximately 54 miles south of Sand Point. Concern over potential coastal waves prompted the National Weather Service to quickly issue a tsunami warning.
NOAA released a map highlighting areas of the Alaska Peninsula at risk, including the Alaska Peninsula Wildlife National Preserve and several small coastal communities in this sparsely populated region.
A state emergency management spokesperson stated, “We’re treating this seriously, but we’ve had other earthquakes in the area that didn’t generate significant tsunami waves.” Officials focused on ensuring communities were informed and prepared for possible evacuation.
Roughly an hour after the quake, there were no immediate reports of damage or tsunami activity. However, authorities remained on alert and continued to monitor the situation closely.
The initial warning was later downgraded to a tsunami advisory, signaling a reduced threat but urging continued caution.
While no evacuation was ordered, local emergency teams stayed ready to act quickly if needed. Residents were encouraged to stay updated through official channels.
As of now, normal activity has resumed, but this event served as a reminder of the seismic volatility in the region—and the importance of rapid response systems.
Authorities are reviewing the incident and preparing to release a full report in the coming days.
