Tsunami Advisory Canceled After 7.2 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes off the Coast of Alaska
(CNN) – A tsunami advisory issued after a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck off the coast of Alaska late Saturday has since been canceled, officials said.
The earthquake hit offshore about 55 miles southwest from Sand Point, Alaska, at a depth of 13 miles on Saturday around 10:48 p.m. local time (2:48 a.m. ET), according to the US Tsunami Warning Center.
Initially, the quake prompted a brief tsunami warning for parts of Alaska near the Aleutian Islands, extending from Unimak Pass to Kennedy Entrance, before being revised to a tsunami advisory. However, a small tsunami was later observed, reaching up to 0.5 feet in elevation at Sand Point and King Cove, Alaska.
Fortunately, there is no tsunami threat for other Pacific coasts in the US and Canada, as stated by the advisory.
In addition to the earthquake, the Alaska Volcano Observatory also provided a threat notice for the Shishaldin volcano after it emitted a plume of ash earlier that Saturday. According to a social media post, the observatory reported that there is currently a “watch” in effect for the Shishaldin volcano. Seismic tremor aptitudes began to increase at around 5 p.m. local time.
The cancellation of the tsunami advisory brings relief to residents and officials in Alaska, who were on high alert following the earthquake. It serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of seismic activity and the importance of being prepared for such events.