A powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Alaska on Friday, centred about seven miles north of Anchorage, the state's largest city. The quake, recorded at a depth of 40.9km, prompted a brief tsunami warning for coastal areas, which was later cancelled.
According to the US Geological Survey, the initial tremor occurred at 08:29 local time (17:29 GMT), followed by a series of aftershocks, including a 5.7 magnitude event minutes later. The Alaska Earthquake Center reported 40 aftershocks, with 10 above magnitude 4.0 and three above 5.0.
Around 300,000 people reside in Anchorage, with an additional 100,000 in the surrounding area. Officials reported that approximately 10,000 residents were without power, and there were accounts of building and bridge collapses. Roads were damaged, and some sections of highways reportedly sank or disappeared.
Social media footage showed supermarket shelves collapsed, products scattered, and lighting damaged. Images also emerged of buildings on fire. Police and fire teams are coordinating with state troopers and the National Guard for response efforts.
Alaska Governor Bill Walker issued a disaster declaration. Officials urged residents to use text messages and social media to contact loved ones to keep phone lines clear for emergencies. Anchorage Fire Department Chief Jodie Hettrick advised people to check on elderly or disabled neighbours.
The earthquake was detected by seismometers as far away as Boston. President Donald Trump tweeted that the 'great people of Alaska' had been 'hit hard by a big one'. The USGS noted that a quake of this magnitude can cause considerable damage to normal structures and destroy poorly constructed buildings.
