7.4 earthquake rocks Alaskan islands: USGS

by Rao Muhammad Aftab Sun Sep 18, 2011 5:53 pm

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WASHINGTON: A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake shook Alaska's Aleutian Islands late Thursday, and US officials issued a localized tsunami warning near the remote island chain.

There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

A tsunami advisory issued by the US West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center (WCATWC) warned nearby coastal residents to "move immediately inland to higher ground and away from all harbors and inlets including those sheltered directly from the sea."

The quake on the Fox Islands -- 101 miles (163 kilometers) east of the tiny fishing port of Atka -- struck at 6:09 pm local time (0309 GMT), the US Geological Survey said in a statement.

"Those feeling the earth shake, seeing unusual wave action or the water level rising or receding may have only a few minutes before the tsunami arrival and should move immediately," warned the WCATWC.

"Homes and small buildings are not designed to withstand tsunami impacts. Do not stay in these structures," officials warned.

The quake struck more than 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) west of the major Alaskan city of Anchorage. (AFP)