Magnitude 8.2 Earthquake Strikes Alaska, Tsunami Warnings Issued

A powerful 8.2 magnitude earthquake struck the Alaskan Peninsula late Wednesday night, prompting tsunami warnings across parts of southern Alaska and close monitoring throughout the Pacific. The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake occurred at 10:15 p.m. local time at a shallow depth of 35 kilometers, centered about 91 km southeast of Perryville.

Tsunami warning sirens were activated in areas like Kodiak, where a video captured near a Walmart store showed residents reacting to the alerts. The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC) issued warnings for areas between Hinchinbrook Entrance and Unimak Pass.

Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy confirmed the state’s emergency operations center was activated, and local communities were being contacted. Fortunately, no immediate reports of injuries or property damage were issued.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center later canceled alerts for Hawaii and Guam. Japan’s Meteorological Agency and New Zealand authorities are also assessing any potential tsunami risk.

Anchorage, located about 800 km from the quake’s epicenter, is not under threat, according to the National Weather Service. At least eight aftershocks followed, two of which exceeded magnitude 6.0.

Officials continue to monitor the situation and evaluate risks to other U.S. and Canadian coastal regions.