8.2 Magnitude Earthquake off Alaska Prompts Tsunami Warning

A driver passes a small boat harbor in King Cove, Alaska.

(Photo: AP)

An 8.2 magnitude earthquake has hit the Gulf of Alaska in the early hours of Tuesday the US Geological Survey said, prompting authorities to warn people in the area to move away from the coast in case it causes a Tsunami.

The quake hit 256 km (157 miles) southeast of Chiniak, Alaska at a depth of 10 km at 09:31 GMT, according to the US Geological Survey.

"If you are located in this coastal area, move inland to higher ground. Tsunami warnings mean that a tsunami with significant inundation is possible or is already occurring," Anchorage Office of Emergency Management said in a warning for Alaska and British Columbia.

Tsunami warnings for parts of Alaska and Canada and a Tsunami watch for the entire US west coast and Hawaii were issued.

Based on all available data a Tsunami may have been generated by this earthquake that could be destructive on coastal areas even far from the epicenter.

Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

Japan's meteorological agency said it was monitoring the situation but did not issue a Tsunami alert.

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