JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — A powerful, magnitude-7.0 earthquake struck in a remote area near the border between Alaska and the Canadian territory of Yukon on Saturday. There was no tsunami warning, and officials said there were no immediate reports of damage or injury. The U.S. Geological Survey noted that the quake 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 Sgt. Calista MacLeod reported receiving two 911 calls regarding the earthquake. 'It definitely was felt,' MacLeod stated, as many shared their experiences on social media. According to seismologist Alison Bird from Natural Resources Canada, the areas most affected consist of scenic mountains and sparse population. 'Mostly people have reported items falling off shelves and walls,' Bird remarked. 'No structural damage has been recorded thus far.' The closest community to the quake's epicenter, Haines Junction, is about 80 miles (130 kilometers) away and had a population of 1,018 as per the Yukon Bureau of Statistics in 2022. The quake was also located about 56 miles (91 kilometers) from Yakutat, Alaska, which has a population of 662. The earthquake struck at a depth of about 6 miles (10 kilometers) and was followed by several smaller aftershocks.
Magnitude-7.0 Earthquake Hits Remote Alaska-Yukon Border
A strong earthquake strikes a remote region near Alaska and Yukon, registering a 7.0 magnitude. Fortunately, no tsunami warning was issued, and initial reports indicate no significant damage or injuries.
A magnitude-7.0 earthquake occurred near the Alaska-Yukon border on Saturday, with its epicenter located approximately 230 miles northwest of Juneau, Alaska. Despite the strength of the quake, officials reported no injuries or major structural damage, though local residents experienced items falling from shelves. The event has prompted calls to emergency services, and aftershocks were noted in the following hours.
