Alaska earthquake: Trump calls 7.0 magnitude quake to hit near Anchorage a 'big one'
Tsunami warning issued in wake of tremor but later lifted
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A 7.0 magnitude earthquake has struck near the city of Anchorage in Alaska, causing major damage to a number of roads and buildings.
A tsunami warning was issued for parts of the state but officials later cancelled it, as residents began posting videos of ceiling tiles falling and furniture rumbling in the quake.
Former governor Sarah Palin was among those who say their homes have been damaged, but she tweeted that her family was safe in spite of the damage to her home.
Scientists say that this particular earthquake was caused by two tectonic plates moving apart, and images of roadways show areas where roads simply collapsed in place as if the ground had been moved out from underneath.
No deaths were reported from the earthquake, but President Donald Trump did weigh in to say that the state has the full support of the American government for any recovery needs.
"To the Great people of Alaska. You have been hit hard by a 'big one'", Mr Trump tweeted from Argentina, where he is attending the G20 summit. "Please follow the directions of the highly trained professionals who are there to help you. Your Federal Government will spare no expense. God Bless you ALL"!
Mr Trump stopped short of issuing a disaster declaration for the state, but Alaska Governor Bill Walker said that he is in contact with the White House for recovery as things proceed.
"From the incident command centre established at Joint Base Elmendorf and Richardson we are closely monitoring reports of aftershocks and assessing damage to roads, bridges and buildings," Mr Walker wrote on Facebook announcing a state disaster declaration. "My family is praying for yours. God bless Alaska".
Read along for live updates as they happened on Friday
Please allow a moment for the liveblog to load
Hello and welcome to our coverage of the aftermath of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that hit near Anchorage, Alaska, earlier this afternoon.
The powerful tremor sparked a tsunami warning for parts of the Alaskan coast before being lifted.
USGS
However, the earthquake has seeming caused extensive damage after striking about 7.5 miles north of the city, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported.
Former Alaska governor Sarah Plain has said that her house is "not OK" after the tremor, but her family are.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says they have evacuated the tower at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.
Flights that were en route are being diverted, and flights that are bound for this airport but have not taken off yet are under a ground stop.
There are about 20 flights initially affected, but this preliminary number may change as officials continue assessing the damage.
Anchorage police say they are dealing with a number of incidents after the earthquake.
Here is their full statement:
The Anchorage Police Department is operational after this morning’s massive earthquake.
Our Dispatch center is fully staffed and answering your calls as quickly as they can. Please only call 911 if it’s an emergency.
Our officers have been dispatched throughout the area and are handling multiple situations. We are working with our public safety partners to keep you safe. For parents, we are working with our partners at the Anchorage School District to check on your children and make sure they are safe.
There is major infrastructure damage across Anchorage. Many homes and buildings are damaged. Many roads and bridges are closed. Stay off the roads if you don’t need to drive. Seek a safe shelter. Check on your surroundings and loved ones.
We will keep you updated via Nixle throughout the day.
Again, stay safe and off the roads. Call 911 only if it’s an emergency.
US military base Elmendorf-Richardson is conducting a damage assessment
“We have recalled our senior staff into our emergency response centre", spokeswoman Dana Rosso told CNN
The is not the only US military base in Alaska, but it is the largest. The base is standing by to render assistance if asked by local and state officials.
There are a number of damaged roads around Anchorage international airport - with Twitter users posting evidence.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments