Although no damage or casualties have been recorded, the earthquake agency warned that the sparsely populated mountainous areas are still at risk of landslides and damage to infrastructure.
Southeastern Alaska, near the Canada border, experienced a turbulent lunchtime when a 7.0-magnitude, about 10km deep earthquake occurred about 90km from Yakutat and more than 370km from the capital Juneau. The center of the concussion was also located about 250km from Whitehorse (Yukon).
Shortly after, more than 20 aftershocks were recorded, including two matches of 5.3 and 5.0 degrees. The Alaska Earthquake Center said that within just 40 minutes of the main earthquake, the area experienced a very strong series of aftershocks.
Michael West, a seismologist at the Alaska Earthquake Center, said there were no reports of significant casualties or damage. However, he emphasized: A 7.0-degree earthquake is completely capable of causing landslides or damaging roads. Although there is no confirmation, we do not rule out this scenario.
On the Canadian side, the Royal Cavalry in Whitehorse received 911 calls immediately after the earthquake occurred. Everyone feels it well, said an officer, adding that people shared on social media about the situation of belongings falling off shelves.
According to the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry of Canada, the Yukon region is mainly affected by mountainous terrain with sparsely populated areas. In Haines Junction - the community closest to the center, about 130km away - it was reported that most of the items were broken, with no signs of damage to the structure.
The US National Tsunami Warning Center said it had not detected a Tsunami threat and had not issued a warning. Monitoring work is still continuing because the area often has earthquake fluctuations.
Despite the small population and distance from the urban center, the area around Yakutat and Yukon still has potential geological risks after a major earthquake. Experts warn that reports of landslides or infrastructure damage may appear later due to difficult terrain.
US-Canady seismologists predict that the series of aftershocks will continue for many hours, even days, before the area returns to stability.
