7.0 Magnitude Earthquake in Alaska Causes Widespread Damage to Roads and Buildings

A 7.0 magnitude earthquake near Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday caused extensive damage to buildings and roads, prompting state officials to issue a tsunami warning. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake occurred at 8:30 AM local time, 10 miles northeast of Anchorage at a depth of 21 miles. The tsunami alert was canceled a few hours later. Multiple videos shared on social media show the chaos among residents and in the city, including items falling from store shelves, closed roads, students taking cover under their desks in schools, and lawyers seeking shelter under tables in court. So far, there have been no reports of fatalities due to the earthquake. However, Bill Walker, the governor of Alaska, declared a 'major natural disaster,' which has been approved by the White House to facilitate federal emergency assistance to the state. According to the Anchorage municipal power and energy unit, the earthquake caused power outages for between 7,000 to 10,000 homes. The earthquake was also accompanied by several aftershocks, leading Alaska officials to advise residents to remain in shelters. The largest of these aftershocks measured 5.7. Following the earthquake, U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted reassurance to the people of Alaska that the federal government would spare no effort in assisting them. He also urged Alaskans to follow the advice of professional and trained personnel who rushed to help. Anchorage is the most populous city in Alaska, with about 300,000 residents, accounting for 40% of the state's total population.