An 8.2 magnitude earthquake strikes in the United States. Experts are warning of a subsequent tsunami. The coastal areas of Alaska are partially evacuated.
Anchorage – A strong earthquake struck off the American south coast. The state of Alaska in the USA was affected. The earthquake is said to have had a magnitude of 8.2. The responsible US authority USGS will inform you about this.
It occurred late Wednesday evening (July 28, 2021, 10:15 p.m. local time) 104 kilometers southeast on the town of Perryville, located on a peninsula, at a depth of 32 kilometers. According to the editorial network Germany (RND) it is the “worst earthquake in the history of Alaska since 1965”.
Tsunami warning for the US west coast: the triggering earthquake had a magnitude of 8.2
The US National Weather Service (NOAA) issued a tsunami warning. He initially spoke of a strength of 8.1, then also corrected to 8.2. The NOAA located the quake just under 121 kilometers southeast of the town of Chignik, which is also on the peninsula.
NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
The US National Weather Service (NOAA) has operational responsibility for the US tsunami warning system. He provides observation systems for the rapid detection of tsunami-generating earthquakes and tsunamis. In addition, he develops predictive models for the effects of tsunamis. The models serve to mitigate / avert the effects.
According to the US Geological Survey, there were at least two aftershocks measuring 6.2 and 5.6. The RND reports. Initially, there were no indications of injuries or significant damage. NOAA warns of a tidal wave that could hit the US west coast on Thursday afternoon (local time).
Tsunami warning in the USA: what to watch out for
The official warning from NOAA read, “Do not re-enter hazardous areas until local emergency officers have advised it is safe to do so.” In addition, NOAA announced that “strong waves and currents” are possible in which people drown or themselves can hurt.
Some of the effects of the tsunami could “last many hours to days after the first wave”. In addition, “coasts in all directions” are threatened by the tsunami. People from affected areas should watch out for a rapidly retreating or receding coastline. “Unusual waves and noises” and “strong currents” are also signs of a tsunami.
Alaska’s coastal tsunami warning: evacuations are ongoing
Because of the tsunami warning, some coastal areas in the US state of Alaska were evacuated. Ships near the port have partially withdrawn to the open sea, while residents of affected areas have withdrawn to higher regions.
A tsunami warning is also being discussed in Japan. The responsible authorities would check this, wrote the public broadcaster NHK, according to RND. (jey / dpa)
