2023 has been a year of earthquakes. Recently, a massive earthquake shook the region of Alaska in the United States of America or the US. Authorities have issued a Tsunami warning as well. The tsunami would be a consequence of the massive earthquake and authorities are on high alert and preparing for when it hits. Here are all the details that you need to know about this huge earthquake that shook the region.
7.2-Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Alaska
Notable quake, preliminary info: M 7.4 – 106 km S of Sand Point, Alaska https://t.co/ftepDWDKb7
— USGS Earthquakes (@USGS_Quakes) July 16, 2023
A massive earthquake measuring a whopping 7.2 magnitudes on the Richter scale hit the Alaskan peninsula. The earthquake was reported by the United States Geological Survey or the USGS. The earthquake had a depth of 9.3 kilometres or 5.78 miles deep.
According to an article recently published by NDTV, the tremors of the earthquake have been felt all across the Alaskan Peninsula, the Aleutian islands, as well as the Cook Inlet regions. After the earthquake, certain areas of the US were issued Tsunami warnings.
Tsunamis are the effect of disturbances in the tectonic plates under the seabed which are a consequence of earthquakes. Earthquakes are not always followed by tsunamis but if they happen to be massive, as is the case with the one that struck Alaska, then tsunamis should be expected.
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No Casualties In Reported Thus Far
According to the NDTV article, there weren’t any immediate reports of damage or casualties, or even of loss of lives, which is fortunate. Though, the authorities have issued an alert for the tsunami and have asked locals to be extremely careful.
Alaska is part of what is known as the Pacific Ring of Fire. It is a geographical belt comprising various regions that are highly seismically active. This means that these regions frequently experience natural disasters like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and at times, Tsunamis.
Back in 1964, an earthquake of 9.2 magnitude shook North America. It was the strongest earthquake to ever hit the region and it ended up claiming more than 250 lives.
Click here to learn more about the Alaska earthquake.
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Have you ever experienced such a huge earthquake? Let us know in the comments below!
Cover Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons (Representational)