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These Photos Show The Devastation Of The 7.0 Magnitude Alaska Earthquake
Alaska was hit with a 7.0 earthquake on Friday that collapsed a highway, knocked a television station off the air and produced at least eight aftershocks. Thankfully, there haven't yet been any reports of serious injuries or death, but photos of the Alaska earthquake reveal the massive, terrifying physical damage it caused in the state.
In addition to severely damaging some roads, the initial quake took out traffic lights and shut down bridges, according to NPR, causing significant traffic problems. A tsunami warning was briefly issued for coastal areas of the state, but the Associated Press reports that it has been cancelled.
"There is major infrastructure damage across Anchorage," wrote the Anchorage Police Department. "Many homes and buildings are damaged. Many roads and bridges are closed. Stay off the roads if you don’t need to drive. Seek a safe shelter. Check on your surroundings and loved ones."
According to the Alaska Earthquake Center, the epicenter of the quake was around 7 miles north of Anchorage. It hit around 8:30 a.m. local time and was followed by several aftershocks, one of which was 5.7-magnitude, according to CNN. The U.S. Geological Survey says that the earthquake occurred on a fault line between the Pacific and North American tectonic plates.
Although the quake doesn't appear to have caused any fatalities, pictures from its aftermath are terrifying. Here are some of the most striking.
Local News Hit
In addition to this footage from CBS affiliate KTVA, CNN reports that its own Alaska affiliate, KTUU, was knocked off the air by the earthquake. The Anchorage Daily News reports that the first quake "sent cracks up walls, damaged ceiling panels and flung items off desks and walls, including a computer monitor and a fire extinguisher."
More Buckled Roads
"I've been here 11 years and I've felt movers before, but that scared me sh*tless," Anchorage resident Kevin Bartley told Alaska Public Media, according to NPR. "That's the quickest I've ever seen one come on and the hardest I've ever seen it shake."
Transportation Woes
According to WSBR, the Alaska Railroad suffered "severe" damage at its Anchorage Operations Center and has suspended all operations. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport has also suspended all incoming and outgoing flights, though its unclear to what extent the airport has been damaged.
Courthouse Chaos
The earthquake prompted some evacuations, including at a local courthouse.
Logjams
Not surprisingly, the earthquake snarled up traffic throughout Anchorage, according to images posted by locals on social media.
In the wake of the quake, Alaska Gov. Bill Walker issued a declaration of disaster, which will allow federal agencies to provide disaster relief to the state if needed, and said on Twitter that he's been in touch with the White House.
Alaska is no stranger to earthquakes. In fact, the state was hit with the strongest one in U.S. history in 1964, when a monster 9.2 earthquake rattled the Last Frontier. It caused tsunamis in California and Oregon, according to Gizmodo, raised the ground as high as 30 feet in some places, and killed 139 people. Friday's quake doesn't appear to be nearly as severe, and happily, there have been no reported fatalities.
