Magnitude 7.0 Earthquake Hits Alaska-Canada Border, No Damage Reported

UPDATE: A powerful magnitude 7.0 earthquake has struck a remote area near the border between Alaska and the Canadian territory of Yukon on Saturday. The quake occurred at approximately 6 miles (10 kilometers) deep, with no tsunami warning issued and no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

The US Geological Survey confirmed the earthquake struck around 230 miles (370 km) northwest of Juneau, Alaska, and 155 miles (250 km) west of Whitehorse, Yukon. In Whitehorse, local authorities reported receiving multiple calls from residents. Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sgt. Calista MacLeod stated, “It definitely was felt. There are a lot of people on social media, people felt it.”

Seismologist Alison Bird with Natural Resources Canada indicated that the mountainous region affected is sparsely populated, minimizing potential impact. “Mostly people have reported things falling off shelves and walls,” said Bird. “It doesn’t seem like we’ve seen anything in terms of structural damage.”

The closest Canadian community to the epicenter is Haines Junction, about 80 miles (130 kilometers) away, with a population of just 1,018, according to the Yukon Bureau of Statistics. The quake also impacted Yakutat, Alaska, located 56 miles (91 kilometers) from the epicenter, where approximately 662 residents live.

Residents are sharing their experiences on social media, with numerous reports indicating the quake was felt throughout the region. The earthquake was followed by several smaller aftershocks, raising awareness and concern among locals.

As this story develops, authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely. Stay tuned for updates on any changes in the condition or further aftershocks in the area.