A powerful magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck just south of Sand Point, Alaska, on July 16, 2025, at around 12:37 p.m. local time, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The epicenter lay approximately 54 miles south (87 km) of Sand Point, at a shallow depth of around 12–20 km, making it capable of triggering surface-level impact.
Initial Tsunami Warning and Its Downgrading to Advisory
Immediately following the quake, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service issued a tsunami warning for several coastal regions, including from Kennedy Entrance to Unimak Pass, spanning roughly 700 miles along Alaska’s southern coast.
However, within an hour this warning was downgraded to a tsunami advisory as the observed wave sizes remained minimal . Officials cautioned residents to stay clear of beaches, harbors, and waterways but emphasized that broad coastal inundation was not anticipated.
Minor Tsunami Observed at Sand Point
Despite the downgraded advisory, a small tsunami was recorded in Sand Point, with water levels rising to roughly 6 cm (2.5 inches), and later a modest six‑inch wave was reported in Kodiak. The U.S. Coast Guard and local emergency teams confirmed no structural damage and no casualties. Sand Point residents noted no significant impacts beyond surface-level disturbances.
Evacuations and Community Response
In communities such as Homer, Unalaska, King Cove, and Cold Bay, sirens and alerts activated community evacuation plans.
Fortunately, as reassessments confirmed safety, the warning was officially canceled by about 2:45 p.m., approximately two hours post‑quake. Officials advised the public to return when local authorities gave the all-clear .
Aftershocks and Seismic Risk
Experts note that this region, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, has experienced multiple magnitude‑7+ quakes in recent years . Scientists warn the area remains capable of larger seismic events and tsunami‑causing tremors, making continued vigilance essential.
No Threat to Lower-48 or Pacific Coastlines
NOAA confirmed that neither California, Oregon, Washington, nor other Pacific coastlines—including Canada and Hawaii—faced any tsunami threat from this quake . The tsunami advisory impacted strictly local Alaskan shorelines.
