A powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Alaska on Wednesday at 12:38 p.m. local time, causing widespread panic and triggering a tsunami warning. The quake’s epicenter was located southeast of Sand Point, near the Shumagin Islands south of the Alaska Peninsula. Emergency alerts were immediately issued, prompting thousands of residents to evacuate low-lying areas.

From Kennedy Entrance near Homer to Unimak Pass near Unalaska, sirens blared and phones buzzed as authorities urged people to move to higher ground. Homer’s mayor, Rachel Lord, reported heavy traffic as residents fled to safety. Coastal areas, including the eastern Aleutian Islands, Alaska Peninsula, and Kodiak Island, were placed on high alert as officials warned of a potential tsunami.

Although a tsunami did form, it was relatively minor, with water levels rising only about three inches. The initial warning was downgraded to an advisory about 90 minutes after the quake and fully canceled by 12:45 p.m. Still, residents were told to remain cautious for the next 24 hours due to possible sea level fluctuations and aftershocks.

In response, emergency shelters were opened, particularly in Kodiak, and more than 20 aftershocks were recorded, the largest being magnitude 5.2. Seismologist Michael West emphasized that while Alaska experiences frequent earthquakes, ones of this magnitude are rare. The earthquake has raised concerns about future seismic activity in the region.

The National Weather Service confirmed that the quake posed no risk to Oregon, Washington, or other western states. Nevertheless, low-lying areas like King Cove were instructed to evacuate as a precaution. The last earthquake of similar size occurred in 1996, while the most destructive remains the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake, which triggered deadly tsunamis throughout the Pacific.