Alaska was shaken up and roused on Tuesday the 23rd early in the morning from a sudden earthquake that hit along the gulf. Immediately citizens were evacuated and rushed into neighboring schools and higher ground. The earthquake along the Pacific was calculated at a magnitude of 7.9. Thankfully, no fatalities or injuries were reported. However, the sudden shock definitely still impacted citizens. Magnitudes of this caliber are usually not uncommon. Alaska has had 11 tremors recorded as having a magnitude greater than or around 7.

The initial earthquake sent warnings of tsunami threats throughout Alaska, and Canada, additionally, watches were issued for California, Oregon and Washington. Small waves of around 8 inches were recorded, resulting in the cancellation of tsunami watches on the West Coast. Although, there weren’t any major or destructive tsunamis recorded after the 7.9 earthquake, this event has in itself sent a shockwave across Alaska and all threatened.

Many have been reminded of the Alaskan earthquake in 1964, in which the average magnitude was 9.2. This magnitude was the most powerful earthquake in North America, and the second most powerful in world history. The resulted damage amounted to $15 million in damage. If this most recent quake had reached such a magnitude, many buildings and surrounding villages would have been annihilated, resulting in several deaths. Additionally, post-earthquake shocks would have affected other areas of Alaska as well as Oregon, Columbia, Washington, and California.

It is evident that after the earthquake on Tuesday, the FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) spread awareness to those threatened to update and better their tsunami preparations. They are using this scare as motivation to encourage all to carry emergency kits and keep awareness of all local disaster, warning plans, and available evacuation routes.

It is known that most individuals only keep track of their local weather, most don’t watch for international news or weather forecasts.  Soleil Garcia commented, “I definitely pay attention to Turlock weather everyday just to check for what to wear but I don’t pay attention to weather in far off areas.” She continued to state that she had no idea Alaska had been threatened by tsunami warnings, let alone that California amongst many other nearby states had been warned as well. Officials are spreading awareness that all communities should remain moderately aware of international weather in order to prevent future damage simply due to their own ignorance.