A massive 7.3 magnitude earthquake has hit off the coast of Alaska.
A tsunami warning has been issued following the tremors that shook the US state, prompting thousands of residents to seek safe ground.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) noted the earthquake occurred at approximately 12:38pm local time, with its epicenter located in the Pacific Ocean.
Two smaller quakes were recorded shortly after.
These registered as a 4.4-mag an hour later near the initial epicenter as well as a 4.0-mag near Halibut Cove.
The tsunami warning quickly followed due to the strength of the initial tremor.
The advisory covers coastal areas of southwestern Alaska and includes the communities from Kennedy Entrance near Homer to Unimak Pass near Unalaska.
The National Tsunami Warning Center said in the alert: “If you are located in this coastal area, move inland to higher ground.
“Tsunami warnings mean that a tsunami with significant inundation is possible or already occurring.
“Tsunamis consist of a series of waves that can be dangerous for many hours after the initial arrival. The first wave may not be the largest.”
The earthquake initially prompted Washington officials to analyze whether there was any danger to the state.
The tsunami threat has since been downgraded to an advisory.
Alaska hasn’t experienced a quake around the same magnitude since 1996.
Almost three decades ago, the 7.2 quake hit in the Andreanof Islands of the Aleutian chain.
The strongest earthquake ever to hit Alaska was the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake.
The 9.2-mag quake is still the strongest in US history.
The tremors were felt as far away as Seattle with coastal areas in Oregon, California, Hawaii and even Japan being affected.
