Los Angeles, July 17, 2025 — A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck near the Alaska Peninsula on Wednesday, prompting tsunami warnings across parts of the southern Alaskan coast, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).
📍 Earthquake Epicenter and Details
The earthquake hit at 12:37 AM local time (2037 GMT) with the epicenter located 54 miles (87 kilometers) south of Sand Point, a small island town in the region. The quake had a shallow depth of 20.1 kilometers, which increases the likelihood of surface-level tremors and possible tsunami formation.
🌊 Tsunami Warning and Affected Regions
The National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC) in Palmer, Alaska confirmed the generation of a tsunami, stating:
“A tsunami has been confirmed and some impacts are expected.”
A tsunami warning was immediately issued for:
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South Alaska and the Alaska Peninsula
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Pacific coasts from Kennedy Entrance (40 miles southwest of Homer) to Unimak Pass (80 miles northeast of Unalaska)
As of now, no tsunami threat has been issued for other regions, and authorities are continuing to monitor the situation.
⚠️ Historical Context: A Region on the Ring of Fire
Alaska sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the most seismically active zones in the world.
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In March 1964, Alaska was struck by a 9.2-magnitude quake — the strongest earthquake in North American history — which devastated Anchorage and triggered a deadly tsunami.
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More recently, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake hit the Alaskan Peninsula in July 2023, though it caused no significant damage or casualties.
🧭 Precautions and Monitoring
Authorities have urged coastal residents in affected areas to remain alert and follow all instructions from emergency management services. Evacuation protocols are in place in several towns as a precaution.
The USGS and NOAA are actively monitoring aftershocks and wave activity, and further updates are expected in the coming hours.