Alaska: Severe Seaquake Triggers Tsunami Warning

An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3 shook the seabed near the Alaskan island of Sand Point on July 16, 2025 – a tsunami advisory followed immediately.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the epicenter was located about 87 kilometers south of Sand Point in the Pacific. The tremor occurred in a seismically active region about 600 miles southwest of Anchorage. The US weather agency NOAA then activated a tsunami warning, which was later downgraded to a less threatening tsunami advisory.

Warning for coastal towns like Kodiak and Cold Bay

The warning affected large parts of the southern coast of Alaska, particularly the area from the Alaska Peninsula over the Kennedy Entrance to the Unimak Pass. In places like Kodiak and Cold Bay, sirens sounded – urging the population to move to higher ground. According to police reports in Kodiak, no damage has been reported so far.

The operator of a lodge in Cold Bay, Michael Ashley, told US media that the quake was noticeable but not particularly intense. Due to the elevated location of the town at around 30 meters, the residents remained rather calm. Such quakes are not uncommon in the summer months, Ashley said.

No reports of damage

Even hours after the quake, there were no official reports of injuries or building damage. Authorities continue to monitor the coastal regions for possible tidal waves. An exact time for the arrival of potential tsunami offshoots was given as around 2:40 PM local time.

Alaska is one of the most seismically active regions in North America. Strong earthquakes repeatedly occur along the Pacific plate boundary. The population in affected areas is accordingly trained and prepared for evacuation scenarios.

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