Alaska earthquake: Tsunami warning issued after 7.3 magnitude hits US coast

(Representative Image)

A 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of the US state of Alaska on Wednesday, triggering a tsunami warning, said the National Center for Seismology (NCS) in a statement.

According to the NCS, the massive earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 36 km, making it susceptible to aftershocks.

In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 7.3, On: 17/07/2025 02:07:42 IST, Lat: 54.91 N, Long: 160.56 W, Depth: 36 Km, Location: Alaska Peninsula."

Shallow earthquakes pose a greater danger than deep earthquakes. This is because the seismic waves generated by shallow earthquakes have a shorter distance to travel to the surface, leading to stronger ground shaking. Consequently, this can result in more damage to structures and a higher number of casualties.

Recently, a tsunami warning was issued for parts of coastal Alaska following an earthquake in the Gulf of Alaska, as reported by the US Tsunami Warning System and The New York Times.

A tsunami warning is the most urgent alert issued by the National Weather Service in the United States. It indicates that people should evacuate to higher ground or move inland. In contrast, a tsunami advisory advises individuals to exit coastal waters and refrain from visiting beaches and waterways. A tsunami watch means that experts are assessing the potential threat, and people should stay informed for updates.

The Alaska-Aleutian subduction system is one of the most seismically active areas in the world, producing more earthquakes with a magnitude of 8 or greater than any other region over the last century. Many of these earthquakes, along with coastal and submarine landslides, can trigger tsunamis. This region is home to over 130 volcanoes and volcanic fields, accounting for more than three-quarters of the US volcanoes that have erupted in the past 200 years.

Alaska experiences more large earthquakes than the rest of the United States combined. More than three-quarters of the state’s population lives in areas that could experience a magnitude 7 earthquake.

The nation’s coastlines are susceptible to related hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, and tsunamis. These events often occur simultaneously in the marine environment, and distant triggers can cause severe local effects, making this issue relevant on a global scale. As the population continues to move towards coastlines, the social impacts of these hazards are expected to increase.

(with ANI inputs)