Thousands of residents along Alaska’s southern coast were forced to evacuate to higher ground on Wednesday after a massive 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck offshore near the Shumagin Islands, southeast of Sand Point. The quake prompted emergency sirens, phone alerts, and an immediate tsunami warning across a 700-mile stretch of coastline.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported the earthquake occurred at approximately 12:38 PM local time. Though the initial alert was downgraded to a tsunami advisory 90 minutes later, emergency officials continued urging extreme caution. Communities from Kennedy Entrance near Homer to Unimak Pass near Unalaska remained on high alert.

“Just Pray We Don’t Get Waved”

Residents in Kodiak, Seward, King Cove and other towns fled coastal zones. One evacuee recorded her experience in Seward, saying, “Just pray we don’t get waved,” as she and others quickly moved uphill away from the shoreline.

Dramatic photos from the scene showed eerily receded shorelines—a telltale sign of a potential incoming wave. NOAA’s David Snider confirmed tsunami activity had been detected and emphasized staying away from all harbors, bays, and coastal waters until the advisory is lifted.

Communities on Edge

The town of Sand Point, directly within the impact zone, was among the first alerted. In Kodiak—population 5,200—and King Cove with about 870 residents, local officials activated evacuation protocols and shelters for low-lying neighborhoods.

The National Tsunami Warning Center stated that abnormal waves could continue for the next 24 hours, especially near inlets, marinas, and breakwaters. No tsunami threat was reported for the rest of the U.S. mainland including Oregon, Washington, or California.

Historical Context

This is the strongest quake to hit Alaska since 1996, when a 7.2 struck the Andreanof Islands. It also brings back memories of the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake—the most powerful in U.S. history—which measured 9.2 and caused widespread tsunamis from Alaska to Japan.

Residents are urged to remain vigilant and follow all safety instructions issued by local emergency services and NOAA. For real-time updates and tsunami tracking, visit the U.S. Tsunami Center.

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