Magnitude 7.0 Earthquake Shakes Alaska-Yukon Border, Minimal Impact Reported

Post by : Mina Rahman

A magnitude-7.0 earthquake struck a remote area near the Alaska–Yukon border on Saturday, shaking nearby communities yet resulting in no injuries or notable damage. Authorities confirmed that a tsunami warning was not issued.

The U.S. Geological Survey indicated the quake's epicenter was approximately 230 miles (370 km) northwest of Juneau, Alaska, and 155 miles (250 km) west of Whitehorse, Yukon, occurring at a shallow depth of around 6 miles (10 km), which amplified its perceived intensity.

Residents in Whitehorse quickly contacted authorities, leading police to receive two emergency calls. Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sgt. Calista MacLeod noted that many of the locals shared their experiences on social media platforms.

Seismologist Alison Bird from Natural Resources Canada remarked that the affected region is predominantly mountainous with very few inhabitants. Reports mainly referenced items falling from shelves, with no indications of structural compromise.

The closest Yukon community, Haines Junction, is situated about 80 miles (130 km) from the earthquake's epicenter, with a population exceeding 1,000. Yakutat, Alaska, home to 662 residents, is located about 56 miles (91 km) away from the quake source. Several smaller aftershocks followed the main event.