Alaska struck by a massive M 7.0 earthquake

The region of Anchorage, Alaska, was struck by a massive M 7.0 on November 30, 2018.

The epicenter of the temblor was located about 13 km northeast of Anchorage, Alaska's largest city with a population of 300.000, at a depth of 34 km.

Buildings and roads were damaged but fortunately no fatalities were reported. 2 major roadways, Glenn Highway and Seward Highway, were partially closed but later reopened. "There is major infrastructure damage across Anchorage. Many homes and buildings are damaged. Many roads and bridges are closed," Anchorage Police Department stated. Few people, including 2 students, suffered minor injuries in their effort to dive under their desks.

A tsunami warning was issued after the shock but it was later canceled. "There was no tsunami" and "there is no danger to the west coast of the United States, British Columbia (Canadian province), or Alaska," the U.S. meteorological agency said.

2 days after the major quake, more than 230 aftershocks have struck the region of Alaska. However, the city of Anchorage was highly prepared. USGS reported that the infrastructure in the city was earthquake resistant. Hospitals, airports and emergency services did not stop operating.

Alaska was hit by the most powerful earthquake ever recorded in U.S. in 1964. "This is the second largest earthquake we've had since 1964, which was a very significant earthquake. But in terms of a disaster, I think it says more about who we are than what we suffered. I would characterize this as a demonstration that Anchorage is prepared for these kind of emergencies," Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz stated.

"This is a reminder, a deep reminder, of the nature of the state we live in. Earthquakes are part of what makes this place what it is," Michael West, Alaska state seismologist and director of the Alaska Earthquake Center said.

Residents were shocked by the tremendous quake. Kristin Dossett, a 37 years old citizen of Palmer, Alaska, said: "It was absolutely terrifying. It shook like I have never felt anything shake before. It just didn't stop. It kept going and got louder and louder, and things just fell everywhere — everything off my dressers, off my bookcases, my kitchen cupboard. Just broken glass everywhere."