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 indicated that the earthquake occurred 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 confirmed that the detachment received two 911 calls about the earthquake.
“It definitely was felt,” MacLeod stated. “There are a lot of people on social media, people felt it.”
Alison Bird, a seismologist with Natural Resources Canada, noted that the part of the Yukon most affected by the quake is home to scenic mountains with few inhabitants.
“Mostly people have reported things falling off shelves and walls,” Bird mentioned. “It doesn’t seem like we’ve seen anything in terms of structural damage.”
The nearest Canadian community to the epicenter is Haines Junction, located about 80 miles (130 kilometers) away. The Yukon Bureau of Statistics lists its population for 2022 as 1,018.
The quake was also recorded approximately 56 miles (91 kilometers) from Yakutat, Alaska, which has a population of 662 residents, according to the USGS.
It struck at a depth of about 6 miles (10 kilometers) and was followed by multiple smaller aftershocks.
The U.S. Geological Survey indicated that the earthquake occurred 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 confirmed that the detachment received two 911 calls about the earthquake.
“It definitely was felt,” MacLeod stated. “There are a lot of people on social media, people felt it.”
Alison Bird, a seismologist with Natural Resources Canada, noted that the part of the Yukon most affected by the quake is home to scenic mountains with few inhabitants.
“Mostly people have reported things falling off shelves and walls,” Bird mentioned. “It doesn’t seem like we’ve seen anything in terms of structural damage.”
The nearest Canadian community to the epicenter is Haines Junction, located about 80 miles (130 kilometers) away. The Yukon Bureau of Statistics lists its population for 2022 as 1,018.
The quake was also recorded approximately 56 miles (91 kilometers) from Yakutat, Alaska, which has a population of 662 residents, according to the USGS.
It struck at a depth of about 6 miles (10 kilometers) and was followed by multiple smaller aftershocks.
