Earthquake Triggers Tsunami Alert in Alaska Following a 7.3-Magnitude Seismic Event off the Aleutian Islands
**Breaking News: Tsunami Advisory Lifted After Magnitude 7.3 Earthquake Off Aleutian Islands**
A powerful magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck off the coast of the Aleutian Islands near Sand Point, Alaska, at 12:38 p.m. local time on July 16, 2025, prompting immediate concerns for tsunami risk due to its magnitude and location in the Pacific Ocean.
The earthquake, with a reported depth of 9 miles or 22 miles, depending on the source, occurred 54-55 miles south of Sand Point, a community on Popof Island. Debi Schmidt, the city administrator for Sand Point, reported feeling the earthquake as the most powerful she's ever felt.
Following the earthquake, a tsunami warning was issued for coastal areas from Unimak Pass in the Aleutians to the Kennedy Entrance, which is 40 miles south of Homer. The warning covered the communities of Sand Point, Cold Bay, and Kodiak. Sirens sounded in these communities as residents were urged to evacuate to higher ground immediately.
The first tsunami waves were expected at Sand Point by 1:30 p.m., followed by Cold Bay (2:25 p.m.) and Kodiak (2:40 p.m.). However, the tsunami warning was later downgraded to an advisory before both the warning and advisory were lifted by 2:43 p.m.
No major tsunami waves were reported. In Sand Point, a small wave of about 7 centimeters (about 2/10 of a foot) was detected, consistent with a minor tsunami event, but posing no significant threat. No reports of significant damage or injuries related to the tsunami have emerged.
Local residents described strong shaking that knocked items off shelves and out of pantries, but structural damage appeared minimal. Emergency officials in Kodiak announced shelters would be opened and sirens would sound.
The National Tsunami Warning Center and local authorities continue to monitor the situation to ensure safety. No further waves or triggered landslides were observed after the initial period. The public should remain alert for aftershocks, but there is no current tsunami threat.
**Timeline of Events**
| Event | Time (Local) | Location | Outcome | |-------------------------|--------------|-------------------------|-------------------------------| | Magnitude 7.3 Earthquake| 12:38 p.m. | 55 mi S of Sand Point | Shaking, minor disruptions | | Tsunami Warning Issued | Shortly after| Kennedy Entrance to Unimak Pass | Evacuation, sirens | | Tsunami Advisory Lifted | 2:43 p.m. | Alaska Peninsula, Kodiak | No major waves, no damage | | Small Tsunami Wave | After 1:30pm | Sand Point | 7 cm (0.2 ft) wave |
This article discusses the impact of the earthquake on Kodiak Island and Sand Point. KTUU of Anchorage reported the news about the earthquake's impact on Sand Point. The article does not provide information about the ongoing nuclear energy ambitions or the lab making advanced fuel for nuclear energy. The article also does not provide information about the current status of tsunami readings or advisories.
Scientists are analyzing data from the environmental science perspective to understand the potential impact of the magnitude 7.3 earthquake off the Aleutian Islands on the local weather patterns. Despite the earthquake and the initial tsunami warnings, no significant changes in the weather were reported in Sand Point or surrounding areas.
