7.5-magnitude earthquake strikes off coast of Alaska; small tsunami observed

A 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Alaska early Saturday morning and a tsunami warning is in effect for portions of British Columbia, Canada, and southeastern Alaska, officials said.

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A tsunami warning has been issued for the north and central coast of British Columbia and southern Alaska after an earthquake struck off southeastern Alaska.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake had a preliminary reading of 7.5 and struck at 12:50 a.m. local time, about 102 kilometres west of Craig, Alaska and some 300 kilometres west-northwest of Prince Rupert, B.C.

The Alaska Tsunami Warning Center said a tsunami with a "significant widespread inundation of land is expected."

A few hours after the quake was reported, CBC meteorologist Joanna Wagstaffe said a small tsunami was generated, as well as at least two aftershocks measuring 4.6 and 4.7.

B.C.'s emergency notification centre said it's believed the wave may impact low-lying coastal areas in northern and central areas.

Local governments in the warning zones are urged to activate their emergency plans and immediately begin evacuations in areas at risk of tsunami activity.

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The following warning was issued to those in areas that could be affected by high waves resulting from the earthquake:

Recommended Actions: If you are in a warning area - move inland to higher ground. If you are in an advisory area - move off the beach and out of harbors and marinas. Widespread inundation of land is not expected for advisory areas. Be alert to instructions from your local emergency officials. Do not go to the coast to observe the tsunami. Do not return to the coast until local emergency officials indicate it is safe to do so. ... The tsunami message will remain in effect until further notice. Refer to the internet site wcatwc.arh.noaa.gov for more information.

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montana_16 said:

I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and I feel like we're being circled by sharks.
What I mean is, we keep hearing about 'quakes all the time around us and we've been extremely quiet since the 7.1 'quake in 1989. I mean hardly a move.

So I keep thinking "okay were next, okay were next". It makes me feel like a " Big One" is stalking us. I know I sound goofy as can be, but it's kind of like waiting for the other shoe to drop.

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Chewy said:

Is this a second quake ? Freaky

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