Breaking News: 7.3 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Near Sand Point, Alaska

A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck south of Sand Point, Alaska, on July 16, 2025, prompting a tsunami warning for several coastal regions.

• Location: Sand Point, Alaska Peninsula (Aleutian Islands)

• Time: 12:37 PM local time

• Depth: ~20 km

• Type: Subduction zone quake

Residents in coastal communities such as Homer, Anchorage, and Sandpoint (AK) were urged to move to higher ground.

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Tsunami Warning & Advisory Details

Shortly after the quake:

• Tsunami Warning was issued for southern Alaska coast, including:

  • Sand Point

  • Kodiak

  • Unalaska

  • King Cove

  • Homer

• Tsunami Advisory was later issued before the alert was fully canceled.

The Alaska Tsunami Warning Center closely monitored wave activity using ocean buoys and coastal sensors.

The largest wave observed: 0.2 feet (2.5 inches) at Sand Point. No tsunami impact in California or Washington, but tsunami warnings for those states were monitored.

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Key Locations Affected

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Watch Tsunami Alert Coverage on YouTube

🎥 Watch: 7.3 Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Alaska Peninsula
🎥 Alaska Earthquake: Residents React to Tsunami Warning

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Official and External Links

• Alaska Earthquake Center (Event Details)

• National Tsunami Warning Center – Alerts

• USGS Earthquake Map (Live)

• Anchorage Daily News Coverage

• AP News: Alaska Tsunami Warning

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Social Media Updates (Follow for Alerts)

• Twitter/X: @AlaskaQuakeCtr

• Facebook: Alaska Earthquake Center

• Instagram: @USGS_Quakes

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Historical Context: Past Alaska Tsunamis

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What to Do in Case of a Tsunami Warning

1. Move to higher ground immediately

2. Avoid beaches, harbors, and river mouths

3. Stay tuned to NOAA radio, social media, and official government alerts

4. Keep emergency kits ready (water, food, radio, first aid)

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FAQs

Q. Was there a tsunami in Alaska today?
Yes, a tsunami warning was issued, but it was canceled after no significant wave activity was recorded.

Q. Where did the earthquake happen in Alaska today?
South of Sand Point, in the Aleutian Islands region.

Q. Is there a tsunami warning in California or Washington?
No tsunami threat for California or Washington from this event, but officials monitored wave activity.

Q. Was Anchorage affected?
Yes, light shaking was felt, but no damage reported. Residents were placed on alert.

Q. How big was the earthquake?
Magnitude 7.3, shallow depth (~20 km), classified as strong.

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Expert Insight: Why Alaska Is Prone to Tsunamis

Alaska sits on the Ring of Fire, where the Pacific Plate collides with the North American Plate, causing:

• Megathrust earthquakes

• Undersea landslides

• Volcanic activity

These factors make Alaska one of the most tsunami-prone regions in the world.

What You Should Know—Even Outside Alaska

• Tsunami Warnings vs. Advisories:

  • Warning = Likely dangerous tsunami incoming → evacuate coastal zones now.

  • Advisory = Possible threat; stay alert, follow local guidance.

• Near-field events leave minimal reaction time—coastal inhabitants must know their evacuation routes and high ground locations San Francisco Chronicle+7FOX Weather+7Anchorage Daily News+7.

• High-latitude monitoring: Alaska’s extensive network of sensors and buoys rapidly informs the NTWC, reducing unnecessary delays.

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Final Words

Today’s Alaska earthquake is a reminder of the state’s seismic vulnerability. Although no major tsunami occurred, emergency preparedness, alert systems, and public awareness played a critical role in protecting lives.

Stay informed. Stay prepared.

Trusted Links for More Info

• Detailed event page & aftershock data: Alaska Earthquake Center Wikipedia+6Alaska Earthquake Center+6Alaska Earthquake Center+6

• Tsunami monitoring & alerts: National Tsunami Warning Center LiveNOW+5Wikipedia+5Alaska Earthquake Center+5

• Historic quake context: USGS 1964 quake overview Anchorage Daily News+10Wikipedia+10Redwood Coast Tsunami Work Group+10