Earthquake brings Unalaska tsunami evacuation

June 24th 12:02 pm | Dutch Harbor Fisherman Staff

According to the Unalaska Department of Public Safety, a tsunami warning had been issued for the Aleutian Islands from Unimak Pass to Amchitka Pass at 7:31 p.m. on Thursday. This warning was the result of a 7.3 magnitude earthquake 20 southeast of Amukta Pass, a news release said.

The preliminary information indicated that a tsunami wave could have been generated with a wave arrival in Unalaska by approximately 8:30 p.m. The Public Safety Department called in all fire/EMS, police, and support staff and initiated a community-wide evacuation. This process included sounding the tsunami siren alert system and sending police and fire units to broadcast the evacuation order to move to higher ground. KUCB, Channel 8 also broadcast the warning to the community.

At 8:16 p.m., police and fire units reported most if not all citizens had evacuated to high ground. At 8:21 p.m., the Tsunami Warning Center advised that the earthquake had not generated a significant tsunami and gave the all clear for the region. Police and Fire unit contacted citizens and told them they could return to their homes.

No injuries were reported as a result of the evacuation.

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