In brief
On Saturday, a magnitude-7.0 earthquake struck near the Alaska-Yukon border, about 230 miles from Juneau and 155 miles from Whitehorse. While residents felt the tremors, officials reported no injuries or significant damage. The quake occurred at a depth of around 6 miles and was followed by several aftershocks.
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — A powerful, magnitude-7.0 earthquake struck in a remote area near the border between Alaska and the Canadian territory of Yukon on Saturday. There was no tsunami warning, and officials said there were no immediate reports of damage or injury. The U.S. Geological Survey noted the earthquake hit approximately 230 miles (370 kilometers) northwest of Juneau, Alaska, and 155 miles (250 kilometers) west of Whitehorse, Yukon. Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sgt. Calista MacLeod confirmed that the detachment received a couple of 911 calls regarding the quake, with many residents reporting feeling the tremor across social media. Alison Bird, a seismologist with Natural Resources Canada, indicated the area affected is characterized by its stunning natural landscapes and a sparse population. Most reports involved items falling off shelves and walls, with no substantial structural damage thereafter. The closest community to the epicenter is Haines Junction, located about 80 miles (130 kilometers) away, housing a population of just over 1,000 according to the Yukon Bureau of Statistics. Yakutat, Alaska, another nearby settlement with a population of 662, lies about 56 miles (91 kilometers) from the quake's epicenter. The earthquake occurred at a depth of approximately 6 miles (10 kilometers) and generated several aftershocks, prompting local authorities to remain vigilant in case the situation evolves.
