JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) – A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0 struck a remote area near the border between Alaska and the Canadian territory of Yukon on Saturday. Fortunately, there was no tsunami warning issued, and initial reports indicated no significant damage or injuries in the affected areas.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the earthquake occurred approximately 230 miles (370 kilometers) northwest of Juneau, Alaska, and 155 miles (250 kilometers) west of Whitehorse, Yukon. In Whitehorse, Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sergeant Calista MacLeod stated that the detachment had received two 911 calls regarding the earthquake. She confirmed the quake was felt by many residents and numerous individuals took to social media to express their experiences.
Alison Bird, a seismologist with Natural Resources Canada, mentioned that the area of Yukon most impacted by the earthquake is predominantly mountainous and sparsely populated. According to Bird, reports from the local populace indicated that many experienced items falling from shelves and walls, but there were no indications of significant structural damage resulting from the quake.
The nearest Canadian community to the earthquake's epicenter is Haines Junction, approximately 80 miles (130 kilometers) away, with a population of 1,018 according to the Yukon Bureau of Statistics for 2022. In addition, the tremor was also reported near Yakutat, Alaska, which is about 56 miles (91 kilometers) from the epicenter and has a resident count of 662, as reported by the USGS.
The earthquake struck at a depth of around 6 miles (10 kilometers) and was subsequently followed by several smaller aftershocks. The region's isolation and low population density may have contributed to the relatively minor impacts despite the earthquake's high magnitude.
In the wake of the earthquake, officials and agencies continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that in case of any further developments, prompt information will be provided to the public. This event underscores the importance of preparedness in earthquake-prone areas, even in regions that experience fewer seismic activities.
