A magnitude7.2 quake struck just south of the Alaska Peninsula, according to the USGS

A powerful magnitude7.2 earthquake struck off the southern coast of Alaska on Wednesday afternoon, prompting tsunami warnings across Southcentral and Southwest regions of the state.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake occurred at 12:37pm Alaska time, with its epicenter located roughly 83 miles southeast of King Cove. The tremor, initiatially measured at 7.3, was felt widely across coastal communities along the Aleutian Chain, Alaska Peninsula, and Cook Inlet.

In response, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) issued tsunami warnings for the Alaska Peninsula, ranging from the Kennedy Entrance to Unimak Pass and extending toward Anchorage.

The Homer Police Department issued an alert advising residents to seek higher ground, while Anchorage emergency authorities stated that the city itself faces no immediate threat.

Sirens were heard blaring in Old Harbor and other affected areas, with the warning also broadcast over the radio, according to videos captured by local residents.

There is no tsunami danger in California, but the NWS said it is still evaluating the potential threat to other North American coastlines, including Washington state. Authorities have urged residents to remain alert and comply with advisories, as aftershocks are expected and tsunami waves could still impact coastal zones.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or structural damage. Earthquakes between magnitude7.0 and7.9 are classified as "major" and can cause serious damage, with only 10-15 such events occurring worldwide each year.

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(RT.com)