A magnitude 7.0 earthquake with an epicenter just eight miles north of Anchorage . Damage is still being assessed, but local police have said it caused“major infrastructure damage across Anchorage.” Photos from the scene show heavy damage to buildings and roadways. Thankfully, a tsunami warning that followed the quake has since been canceled.
The quake occurred along the fault line between the Pacific and North American tectonic plates, which produced the largest earthquake in American history. measured 9.2 on the Richter scaleand took 3,000 lives.
Complete reporting on today's quake is not yet available, but the U.S.Geological Survey estimates a low probability of fatalities. Still, it says there could be
Significant aftershocks continue, including one measuring 5.8.
Damage to the area appears to include significant power outages, collapsed bridges and overpasses, structure fires, and sinkholes.
In response to the now-canceledtsunami warning, Alaskans fled low-lying coastal areas to head inland, but their progress was frustrated by the damaged roadways. Traffic throughout the region is said to remain snarled.
Tsunami warnings remain in effect elsewhere across the Pacific. Consult the for details.