In brief
On Saturday, a magnitude-7.0 earthquake struck a remote area close to the border between Alaska and Yukon, Canada. The quake, reported by the U.S. Geological Survey to have occurred approximately 230 miles northwest of Juneau, was felt across the region, prompting several 911 calls but no reports of significant damage or injuries. The tremor, which struck at a depth of about 6 miles, was followed by multiple smaller aftershocks. The nearest communities, Haines Junction in Yukon and Yakutat in Alaska, have low populations, minimizing potential impact.
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — A powerful, magnitude-7.0 earthquake struck in a remote area near the border between Alaska and the Canadian territory of Yukon on Saturday. There was no tsunami warning, and officials said there were no immediate reports of damage or injury.The U.S. Geological Survey said it struck about 230 miles (370 kilometers) northwest of Juneau, Alaska, and 155 miles (250 kilometers) west of Whitehorse, Yukon. In Whitehorse, Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sgt. Calista MacLeod said the detachment received two 911 calls about the earthquake.“ It definitely was felt,” MacLeod said. “There are a lot of people on social media, people felt it.” Alison Bird, a seismologist with Natural Resources Canada, noted the area most affected is home to scenic mountains and few residents. “Mostly people have reported things falling off shelves and walls,” Bird said, indicating minimal structural damage. The Canadian community nearest to the epicenter is Haines Junction, Bird mentioned, about 80 miles (130 kilometers) away, with a population count of 1,018 as of 2022. The quake struck roughly 56 miles (91 kilometers) from Yakutat, Alaska, which has 662 residents according to USGS data. The earthquake occurred at a depth of about 6 miles (10 kilometers) and was followed by multiple smaller aftershocks.
