Major earthquake triggers tsunami warning in Alaska (VIDEOS)

A powerful magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck off the southern coast of Alaska on Wednesday afternoon, prompting tsunami warnings across the Southcentral and Southwest regions of the state.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake occurred at 12:37pm Alaska time, with its epicenter located roughly 83 miles (134km) southeast of King Cove. The tremor, initiatially measured at 7.3, was felt widely across coastal communities along the Aleutian Chain, Alaska Peninsula, and Cook Inlet.

In response, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) issued tsunami warnings for the Alaska Peninsula, ranging from the Kennedy Entrance to Unimak Pass and extending toward Anchorage.

The Homer Police Department issued an alert advising residents to seek higher ground, while Anchorage emergency authorities stated that the city, which is home to nearly 2/5 of the state's residents, faces no immediate threat.

Sirens were heard blaring in Old Harbor and other affected areas, with the warning also broadcast over the radio, according to videos captured by local residents.

There were no reports of casualties or structural damage. Earthquakes between magnitude 7.0 and 7.9 are classified as “major” and can cause serious damage. The NWS later downgraded the warning to an advisory, urging residents to remain alert, after evaluating the potential threat to other North American coastlines.