A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck southern Alaska on Wednesday, prompting widespread evacuations and tsunami warnings.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake at 12:38 p.m. local time, with the epicenter near the Shumagin Islands, southeast of Sand Point. Emergency systems across coastal communities were activated, and residents from Homer to Unimak Pass were told to evacuate inland or seek higher ground.

In Homer, Mayor Rachel Lord described heavy traffic as people rushed to evacuate, especially from the vulnerable Homer Spit. Initial tsunami warnings covered coastal zones like Kodiak Island and the Alaska Peninsula.

Though waves did form, raising sea levels by about three inches, they did not cause major damage. Within 90 minutes, warnings were downgraded and later lifted completely by the National Tsunami Warning Center.

Despite the official all-clear, coastal communities remained on edge. Residents were advised to stay cautious for the next 24 hours due to lingering sea-level fluctuations. Emergency shelters opened in Kodiak and nearby areas as a precaution. A video from Seward showed the panic, with one resident pleading, “Just pray we don’t get waved,” while fleeing the shoreline.

The Alaska Earthquake Center recorded over 20 aftershocks, with the strongest reaching magnitude 5.2. Seismologist Michael West explained that Alaska is America’s most earthquake-prone region, accounting for four out of five quakes nationwide. He noted that although many tremors are minor, this one was unusually strong.

Wednesday’s quake serves as a stark reminder of Alaska’s seismic history, including the devastating 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake, which remains the strongest in U.S. history at 9.2 magnitude.