7.0 Earthquake Strikes Remote Alaska-Yukon Border Area
A magnitude-7.0 earthquake recently hit a remote area along the Alaska-Yukon border. This seismic event occurred on a Saturday and did not trigger a tsunami warning. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of injuries or significant damage.
Location and Impact of the Earthquake
The earthquake occurred approximately 230 miles (370 kilometers) northwest of Juneau, Alaska. It was also recorded about 155 miles (250 kilometers) west of Whitehorse, Yukon. The U.S. Geological Survey reported its depth to be around 6 miles (10 kilometers).
Community Reactions
- In Whitehorse, local law enforcement received two 911 calls regarding the tremor.
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sgt. Calista MacLeod stated that many residents felt the earthquake.
- Residents took to social media platforms to share their experiences.
Alison Bird, a seismologist with Natural Resources Canada, noted that the earthquake impacted a mountainous region of Yukon with a sparse population. Most reports indicated minor disturbances, like items falling from shelves and walls.
Proximity to Nearby Communities
The Canadian community closest to the earthquake’s epicenter was Haines Junction, situated around 80 miles (130 kilometers) from the quake’s center. According to the Yukon Bureau of Statistics, Haines Junction had a population of 1,018 in 2022.
Furthermore, the town of Yakutat, Alaska, located 56 miles (91 kilometers) from the epicenter, has a smaller resident count of 662, as noted by the USGS.
Seismic Activity After the Earthquake
Following the initial quake, multiple smaller aftershocks were reported in the region. Fortunately, there have been no substantial updates regarding structural damage or injury from these subsequent tremors.
