A significant earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3 struck near Sand Point, Alaska, on Wednesday, prompting officials to issue a tsunami warning for parts of the region.
According to the National Tsunami Warning Center, “A TSUNAMI WARNING is posted for portions of Alaska following a M7.2 earthquake 50 miles S of Sand Point, Alaska, at 12:38 PM AKDT July 16.”
From the National Tsunami Warning Center:
🔴 A TSUNAMI WARNING is posted for portions of Alaska following a M7.2 earthquake 50 miles S of Sand Point, Alaska, at 12:38pm AKDT July 16.
A Tsunami Alert is for this event is posted at https://t.co/npoUHxWBas
— NWS Tsunami Alerts (@NWS_NTWC) July 16, 2025
Earthquake Details
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake occurred approximately 87 kilometers south of Sand Point at a depth of 20 kilometers. This seismic event was recorded at 4:37 PM EDT on Wednesday, raising immediate concerns about potential tsunami threats.
“It is the most significant event since we have been having monitoring equipment at Mount Rainier. We have to remember Mount Rainier is really old. We’ve only been monitoring it for 40, maybe 50 years now. So just because it’s the most significant one we’ve seen on equipment doesn’t mean this hasn’t happened in the past prior to 2009,” said Alex Iezzi, research geophysicist at USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory.
Affected Areas and Safety Precautions
The following areas are set to be affected due to the earthquake, as per the National Weather Service (NWS). Residents have been urged to seek higher ground immediately:
- Homer area (Kenai Peninsula Borough)
- Sand Point and King Cove (Aleutians East Borough)
- Unalaska (Aleutians West Census Area)
- Unimak Island, including the Scotch Cap area
- Chignik Bay region, briefly included before advisory downgrade
A Tsunami Warning has been issued for the Alaska Peninsula areas from the Kennedy Entrance to Unimak Pass. Cities included are Cold Bay, Sand Point, and Kodiak. We can say with reasonable confidence that the Kenai Peninsula Borough locations will not see impacts. pic.twitter.com/7Lul3zVUm3
— NWS Anchorage (@NWSAnchorage) July 16, 2025
Emergency Alert Miscommunication Causes Confusion Among Residents
In a recent incident, an erroneous tsunami warning was sent to residents of Anchorage, Alaska, amidst multiple alerts issued by the National Weather Service across the state. The Office of Emergency Management in Anchorage quickly clarified that the alert was sent mistakenly and confirmed that there is currently no threat to the town.
Residents are urged to remain calm, as officials continue to monitor the situation closely. The mix-up highlights the importance of accurate communication during emergency alerts.
As always, residents are encouraged to stay informed through trusted sources and to heed any future alerts from local authorities.
NO DANGER TO ANCHORAGE! Anchorage, A “Tsunami Warning” may have just hit your cell phones. THIS TSUNAMI WARNING IS NOT FOR THE ANCHORAGE AREA! This message was in response to a large magnitude earthquake southwest of Anchorage, and the message zones overlapped. pic.twitter.com/Fv99EnTYut
— Anchorage OEM (@Anchorage_OEM) July 16, 2025
Sirens Sound as Residents Evacuate Following Earthquake
A tsunami warning has prompted evacuations in specific areas of Alaska after a significant earthquake. According to NWS Anchorage, the alert affects Cold Bay, Sand Point, and Kodiak, while Anchorage is not included in this warning.
In a post on X, NWS Anchorage stated, “Tsunami Warning has been issued for the Alaska Peninsula areas from the Kennedy Entrance to Unimak Pass. Cities included are Cold Bay, Sand Point, and Kodiak. We can say with reasonable confidence that the Kenai Peninsula Borough locations will not see impacts.”
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the 7.3-magnitude earthquake occurred 87 kilometers south of Sand Point at 4:37 PM EDT on Wednesday, with a depth of 20 kilometers.
🚨 BREAKING: Water is receding on the Alaskan Coast as a tsunami approaches
ALL RESIDENTS OF SAND POINT, ALASKA AND SURROUNDING TOWNS MUST EVACUATE NOW! pic.twitter.com/rOIhhtCuqh
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) July 16, 2025
#BREAKING: TSUNAMI EVACUATIONS UNDERWAY IN SEWARD, ALASKA
Residents in Seward are being evacuated to higher ground following the M7.2 earthquake and active tsunami warning across coastal Alaska.
Authorities urge everyone near the coast: Do Not wait, evacuate immediately.… pic.twitter.com/dAESbtnWtg
— upuknews (@upuknews1) July 16, 2025
Community Preparedness
Officials are urging residents in the affected areas to stay vigilant and monitor local news updates. Communities along the coastline are advised to prepare for possible evacuations as a precautionary measure.
As authorities respond to the situation, more information will be provided as it becomes available. Residents are encouraged to adhere to safety guidelines and take the threat seriously.
