Magnitude 7.3 Earthquake Hits Alaska – Details & Videos
A powerful magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck off Alaska’s southern coast on July 16, 2025, triggering a tsunami warning for the Alaska Peninsula. The quake, centered 55 miles south of Sand Point at a depth of 20 kilometers, prompted evacuations in coastal areas like King Cove and Kodiak. The warning was later canceled after no significant sea-level changes were detected.
The tremor was widely felt across southern Alaska, with social media videos showing violent shaking at Lake Hood Seaplane Base and homes. Sand Point’s city administrator described it as the strongest quake she’d ever experienced. The Alaska Earthquake Center reported at least 18 aftershocks, with more expected in the coming days.
Experts noted the quake was part of an ongoing seismic sequence in the region. While the chance of a larger follow-up quake is small, officials continue monitoring activity. The event followed a week of heightened seismic activity, including over 400 smaller quakes across Alaska.
Meanwhile, Southern California experienced its own tremors, with a magnitude 5.2 quake near Julian on April 14, 2025, followed by smaller aftershocks. Residents reported intense shaking, with some fleeing buildings as bottles fell and the ground swayed. No major damage or injuries were reported.
In other parts of the U.S., a deadly tornado outbreak struck the South and Midwest in mid-March 2025, killing at least 18 people. Mississippi and Louisiana faced the worst destruction, with EF3 tornadoes causing widespread damage. Rescue efforts were complicated by a subsequent earthquake in Mississippi.
The storms left over 50,000 without power, with severe weather threats continuing into the following day. Officials warned of potential stronger tornadoes as damage assessments progressed. The overlapping disasters underscored the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather.
Authorities emphasized that earthquake impacts vary based on factors like proximity, soil conditions, and building resilience. While damage is rare below magnitude 5, ongoing evaluations are crucial to understanding the full scope of these events.
Tsunami warning in Old Harbor, Alaska, following a 7.2 magnitude earthquake.
Get to higher ground! Heed warnings.
Pray for Americans in Alaska.
(wx_nature on TT) pic.twitter.com/CfSliKpruv
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) July 16, 2025
🚨 Just In ::: Water is receding in multiple portions of Alaska after 7.2 Magnitude Earthquake struck prompting a Tsunami warning
This is the first stage of a Tsunami
Seward Alaska population being moved to higher grounds pic.twitter.com/UcOw2CNLSK
— Culture War Report (@CultureWar2020) July 16, 2025
