Earthquake Rattles Alaska, Causing 'Major' Damage to Homes and Infrastructure

Alaskans are on alert Friday after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake rocked the state’s most populous city and sent trembles 350 miles north to Fairbanks, according to The Weather Channel. The quake, centered just outside of Anchorage, left buildings cracked and roads crumbled, as well as power outages throughout the downtown area. Several significant aftershocks also contributed to the destruction left Friday morning.

“There is major infrastructure damage across Anchorage,” the Anchorage Police Department said in a statement. “Many homes and buildings are damaged. Many roads and bridges are closed. Stay off the roads if you don’t need to drive. Seek a safe shelter. Check on your surroundings and loved ones.”

Shortly after the rumbling, a tsunami warning was issued for coastal areas near the epicenter, but the warning was later cancelled as the National Tsunami Warning Center saw no signs of tsunami danger.

Residents and news outlets took to social media to share photos and videos of the aftermath of the quake, from markets and cafes in disarray to roads shattered by the effects.

According to the United States Geological Survey, earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.0 or higher are considered major, likely to cause considerable damage or partial collapse to ordinary buildings.

We will continue to update this story as the news develops.

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