Earthquake of Magnitude of 7.0 Wrecks Havoc in Alaska

A massive earthquake of magnitude 7.0 had struck Anchorage, Alaska on Friday morning. The earthquake had triggered a Tsunami warning as well which was later canceled. The earthquake struck at 8:30 am, ten miles northeast of Anchorage at a depth of 21 miles. The quake was so strong that it was felt up to 400 miles outside Anchorage.

As per reports the earthquake was so intense in nature that it crumbled roads, shook huge buildings, broke glass windows and destroyed major infrastructure in the state. Schools, hospitals, grocery stores, corporate offices and courtrooms were shaken by its intensity. The Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport lost power temporarily and planes were directed not to land. Videos circulating online, reveal the intensity of the earthquake; some of them being quite disturbing. Families struggled to flee from their homes while the earthquake rocked the walls of their homes. TV and radio stations were knocked off the air. Reporters at the CNN affiliate KTVA said that window panes at the radio stations broke, roofs collapsed, computers flew and cameras toppled over.

After the main earthquake struck, around 30 aftershocks were experienced the largest being 5.7 in magnitude. Many more are expected to occur in the weeks to come according to the US Geological Survey. Despite the massive earthquake, no casualties and injuries have been reported so far. Currently, helicopters and drones are being used to assess damage in the affected areas.

People who have been living in Alaska for years have expressed that this has been the most violent earthquake they have ever experienced in years. Kristin Dossett, a resident of Palmer, Alaska told CNN that it was the most violent quake she felt in her 37 years in a region where temblors are common. One aftershock moved her piano a foot and half from the wall. “It shook like I have never felt anything shake before. It just didn't stop.  She added, “Things just fell everywhere — everything off my dressers, off my bookcases, my kitchen cupboard. Just broken glass everywhere."

Former Alaska Governor and Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin tweeted that her house was not intact however her family was safe. Meanwhile, the Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center in downtown Anchorage was being used as a shelter for people who are stranded and away from home. Alaska’s Governor Bill Walker has issued a declaration of disaster and has updated the White House with the latest events. He is also working with emergency responders to make sure all the citizens are safe.