A powerful tsunami has struck the southern coast of Alaska following a massive undersea earthquake early this morning. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake had a magnitude of 8.2, triggering immediate tsunami warnings and forcing thousands of residents to flee low-lying areas.
Waves of up to 6 meters (20 feet) have been reported, battering coastal communities, sweeping away boats and vehicles and causing damage to infrastructure. Emergency services are actively working on evacuations and assessing the extent of the damage.
Authorities urged residents of Anchorage, Kodiak, and nearby towns to move to higher ground as sirens sounded throughout the early hours of the day. So far, no fatalities have been confirmed, but multiple injuries and missing people have been reported.
Authorities warn of the potential for aftershocks and new waves. The National Weather Service continues to closely monitor the situation and has issued warnings for the entire Pacific coast.
