A powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck near Sand Point, Alaska, on July 16, 2025, prompting a tsunami warning for parts of the Alaska Peninsula and southern Alaska. The alert, which sent residents scrambling to higher ground, was later downgraded to an advisory and canceled by the National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC) after a small tsunami wave posed no significant threat. Here’s everything you need to know about this seismic event and its aftermath.

Earthquake Details: What Happened?

On Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at approximately 12:37 p.m. local time (4:37 p.m. ET), a magnitude 7.3 earthquake rocked the Alaska Peninsula, with its epicenter located 55 miles south of Sand Point on Popof Island in the Aleutian Chain, at a depth of about 9 miles, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The quake was felt across a wide region, from Anchorage to Juneau, with strong shaking reported in Sand Point, where objects fell from shelves, and milder rolling sensations in Homer.

The Alaska Earthquake Center noted that the quake occurred in a seismically active region along the Alaska-Aleutian Megathrust, which has seen five magnitude 7 or greater earthquakes since 2020. Over 30 aftershocks, the largest at magnitude 5.2, followed within hours, and more are expected in the coming days.

Tsunami Warning Issued, Then Canceled

Following the earthquake, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a tsunami warning at 12:38 p.m. local time for a 700-mile stretch of Alaska’s southern coast, from Kennedy Entrance (40 miles southwest of Homer) to Unimak Pass (80 miles northeast of Unalaska). Impacted areas included Sand Point, Cold Bay, and Kodiak, where sirens blared, and residents were urged to evacuate to higher ground or upper floors of sturdy buildings.

The NTWC confirmed a small tsunami wave of 0.2 feet (about 3 inches) at Sand Point around 3:10 p.m., but no significant inundation occurred. By 1:50 p.m., the warning was downgraded to a tsunami advisory, indicating a risk of strong currents or waves near the water rather than widespread flooding. The advisory was lifted entirely by 2:43 p.m. after sea level data confirmed no destructive tsunami threat.

Emergency officials in Kodiak opened shelters at Kodiak High School and North Star Elementary, while King Cove issued alerts for residents to move at least 50 feet above sea level. In Seward, videos showed residents briskly walking to higher ground. No major damage or injuries were reported, though minor damage, such as broken bottles in a Sand Point store, was noted.

Why Alaska is Prone to Earthquakes and Tsunamis

Alaska’s southern coast lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a seismically active zone responsible for 80% of U.S. earthquakes. The region’s history includes the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake (magnitude 9.2), the second-largest ever recorded, which triggered a deadly tsunami. The July 16 quake is part of an active sequence in the Alaska-Aleutian Megathrust, following a similar 7.2-magnitude event in 2023.

Seismologist Michael West of the Alaska Earthquake Center emphasized, “The entire southern coast of Alaska is a gigantic earthquake zone. Four out of five earthquakes in the United States happen in Alaska.” While this event generated a small tsunami, experts continue to monitor for aftershocks and potential future risks.

Community Response and Safety Measures

The swift response from local authorities and residents highlighted Alaska’s preparedness for seismic events. In Sand Point, Police Chief Benjamin Allen reported no significant damage to the harbor or airport. In Kodiak, the U.S. Coast Guard evacuated personnel to higher ground but stood down after the advisory was canceled. Residents like Lauren Cojei, a public defender in Kodiak, described a sense of urgency as they evacuated, with phone alerts and sirens prompting quick action.

The Anchorage Office of Emergency Management clarified that Anchorage, 600 miles from the epicenter, faced no tsunami threat. Similarly, officials in Hawaii and Washington state confirmed no danger to their coastlines after analyzing buoy data.

What’s Next for Alaska?

The Alaska Earthquake Center warns that aftershocks could continue for days or weeks, with a small chance of a magnitude 6 or greater quake in the next week. Residents are advised to stay cautious near coastal areas and check with local officials before returning to hazard zones. The NTWC noted that minor sea level changes may persist, but no further tsunami threat is expected.

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