Hazardous tsunami waves are possible for coasts located within 300km of the earthquake epicentre, a warning says – the warning is in effect for South Alaska and the Alaska Peninsula
A tsunami warning has been issued after an enormous 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Alaska this morning.
The earthquake, which was at a depth of six miles, will be the strongest worldwide if not downgraded.
Terrifying noises were captured in dramatic video footages shot by residents living in Kodiak, Alaska.
Residents in the area were urged to get to “higher ground” and to move away from beaches over fears of a tsunami.
One witness said: “Bed and curtains were going. Felt like a very long quake! Felt at Homer, Ak at the end of the Spit at Lands End.”
Another said: “Felt very dizzy.”
The warning is in effect for South Alaska and the Alaska Peninsula, the United States Geological Survey said.
Tsunami activity could hit within the next hour at points along the Alaskan coast.
An alert said the level of tsunami danger is also being evaluated for other US and Canadian Pacific coasts in North America.
“Based on the preliminary earthquake parameters, hazardous tsunami waves are possible for coasts located within 300km of the earthquake epicentre,” the warning reads.
The alert read: “If you are in a tsunami warning area, evacuate inland or to higher ground above and beyond designated tsunami hazard zones or move to an upper floor of a multi-story building depending on your situation.
“Move out of the water, off the beach, and away from harbors, marinas, breakwaters, bays and inlets.
“Be alert to and follow instructions from your local emergency officials because they may have more detailed of specific information for your location.”
A resident whose Twitter bio says shes’ in Vancouver tweeted: “Goosebumps reading about the earthquake in Alaska.
“I told James 30 mins ago I felt shaking and he said because we have no flooring it’s probably the train.”
A woman who lives in California said she also felt the effects.
She tweeted: “I felt the Alaska earthquake in California.
“I’m very very sensitive to ground movements and I felt a small, slight stutter roll through. Wow.
“Sending love to Alaska right now.”
Another tweeted: “Only in 2020, where a potential tsunami can hit after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake. Prayers for our friends in Alaska.”
People on social media have been telling each other to “stay safe”.
The earthquake reading remains at 7.8 magnitude, the United States Geological Survey confirmed.
The National Weather Service said: “Impacts to the California coast are still being evaluated by the Tsunami Warning Center.”
It is not yet known if the earthquake has caused any injuries or damage.
The earthquake landed in the so-called ‘Ring of Fire’ where a huge number of quakes and volcanic eruptions take place, the Express reports.
Nearly 90% of major earthquakes happen in and around this zone, it is reported
The National Weather Service said: “Impacts to the California coast are still being evaluated by the Tsunami Warning Center.”
It is not yet known if the earthquake has caused any injuries or damage.
The earthquake landed in the so-called ‘Ring of Fire’ where a huge number of quakes and volcanic eruptions take place, the Express reports.
Nearly 90% of major earthquakes happen in and around this zone, it is reported
