Magnitude 7.9 earthquake in Alaska has triggered a tsunami warning

Star marks the epicenter. The red line is the tectonic plate.

Just after midnight local time, an earthquake of magnitude 7.9 was recorded in Alaska today (Jan. 23). The US Geological Survey says the epicenter is in the Pacific Ocean, about 300 km from the nearest large town Kodiak, which has a population of a little more than 6,000 people.

The US National Tsunami Warning Center said that a tsunami warning has been issued, which will cover areas on the coast of Alaska in the US and British Columbia in Canada. The alert urges people in those areas to find refuge at higher grounds.

The story will be updated as more information becomes available.

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