Alaska earthquake triggers tsunami warning, aftershocks

Residents of Kodiak Island evacuated for high ground on Wednesday night after an 8.2 magnitude earthquake hit 56 miles south of the Alaskan coast. The shallow earthquake was recorded at 29 miles below the ocean surface. The National Tsunami Warning Center ordered the evacuation of parts of the Alaskan peninsula but canceled the tsunami warning after a half-foot wave rolled in a little over an hour later. This was the strongest earthquake in Alaska since 1965.

What effect did the quake have on land? Residents have not yet reported major damage or injuries. The U.S. Geological Survey has recorded more than 40 aftershocks so far, including two strong ones. Earthquakes are common in this region. Residents say they are experiencing consistent but minor shaking.

Dig deeper: Read Onize Ohikere’s report in World Tour about an Indonesian earthquake earlier this year.