8.0 Alaska Quake Triggers Tsunami Advisory

'Modest' tsunami could strike Aleutian Islands
By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 23, 2014 6:10 PM CDT
Alaska Earthquake Triggers Tsunami Warning
   (Shutterstock)

Alaska's Aleutian Islands experienced an 8.0-magnitude earthquake today that has triggered a tsunami advisory for coastal areas on some of the islands, Weather.com reports. The far western part of the island chain felt the first shock at nearly noon local time, followed by four aftershocks ranging from 6.0 to 5.1 over the next 90 minutes. There are no reports of damage yet, reports the AP, but CNN reports that one town has already moved residents to higher ground. Meanwhile, the Tsunami Warning Center has issued an advisory for islands from Nikolski to Attu:

  • "A Tsunami capable of producing strong currents or waves dangerous to persons in or very near the water is expected."

A tsunami has already been recorded in Amchitka, Alaska; it was only about 7 inches, but the Center notes that waves can get higher as a tsunami progresses. The quake was recorded about 60 miles below sea level, which is fairly shallow, and shallower quakes are usually felt more strongly, the AP notes. But the quake was too deep to create a tsunami threat for Hawaii. (More tsunami stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X