7.8 magnitude earthquake hits Alaska Peninsula, tsunami warning issued for south Alaska and Pacific coasts
A tsunami warning was issued late Tuesday night after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit the Alaskan Peninsula, according to the US Geological Survey. As confirmed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, it has been recorded 75 miles off the town of Chignik at a depth of eight miles. It occurred at the depth of 10km at 6.12 GMT, according to the German Research Centre for Geosciences.
The National Tsunami Warning Center alerted residents in surrounding coastal areas and said that the tsunami activity is forecasted to begin at 11.15 pm on Sand Point, shortly after midnight in Kodiak and about 10 minutes after that in Cold Bay.
The alert said, "If you are in a tsunami warning area, evacuate inland or to higher ground above and beyond designated tsunami hazard zones or move to an upper floor of a multi-story building depending on your situation. Move out of the water, off the beach, and away from harbors, marinas, breakwaters, bays and inlets. Be alert to and follow instructions from your local emergency officials because they may have more detailed or specific information for your location."
The buzz soon made its way to Twitter. A tweet read, "Tsunami warning in effect for south Alaska and the Alaska Peninsula, Pacific coasts after an earthquake — US National Tsunami Warning Center." Another tweet said, "Preliminary 7.8-magnitude earthquake rocks Alaska, prompts tsunami warning." What's more, a picture of the tsunami travel time also went viral on Twitter.
One tweet read: "Evacuations underway as tsunami warnings are issued for parts of Alaska following a 7.8-magnitude earthquake." Another said, "The magnitude for the #Alaska #earthquake has been upgraded to 7.8, and the alert area now includes #tsunami advisories for southern Alaska and the Aleutian Islands in addition to the original warning area. See the map at http://tsunami.gov."
As per a report from The Anchorage Daily News, tsunami sirens have sounded in Kodiak and the local high school has opened its doors for those seeking shelter. Residents were also told to head to a Coast Guard base for higher ground. Louise Fode, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, told the paper that it may be a while before it is determined that a “tsunami was generated".
Many people started praying for the residents. "I'm praying for Alaska. I hope there isn’t a tsunami," one tweet said and another read, "Thanks for the updates! I have family there so was not going to sleep all night. Even though they live in safe zones, I have friends in the tsunami danger zones and it would be a disaster if it hit! Now just worried for Alaska!"