A strong magnitude-7.0 earthquake struck a sparsely populated region near the border of southeastern Alaska and Canada’s Yukon Territory on Saturday, shaking communities across hundreds of miles but causing no immediate reports of serious damage or injuries. Authorities confirmed that no tsunami warning was issued following the powerful tremor.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 230 miles northwest of Juneau, Alaska, and about 155 miles west of Whitehorse, Yukon. The quake occurred at a relatively shallow depth of roughly six miles, a factor that often intensifies ground shaking at the surface. Residents across the region reported feeling the tremor, which was followed by several smaller aftershocks in the hours that followed.
In Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon, Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed receiving emergency calls related to the earthquake. Sgt. Calista MacLeod said at least two residents contacted 911 shortly after the shaking began. “It definitely was felt,” she said. “There are a lot of people on social media saying they felt it.”
Seismologist Alison Bird of Natural Resources Canada explained that the area of Yukon most affected by the earthquake is largely mountainous and sparsely populated. While the tremor was powerful, early assessments suggest limited impact on infrastructure. “Mostly people have reported things falling off shelves and walls,” Bird said. “It doesn’t seem like we’ve seen anything in terms of structural damage.”
The closest Canadian community to the epicenter is Haines Junction, located about 80 miles away. According to the Yukon Bureau of Statistics, the town had a population of just over 1,000 residents in 2022. In Alaska, the quake was also felt near the community of Yakutat, which lies about 56 miles from the epicenter and has an estimated population of 662 people.
Emergency officials on both sides of the border continue to monitor the situation as aftershocks ripple through the region. While no major damage has been reported so far, residents have been advised to stay alert for potential additional tremors. Seismologists note that strong earthquakes in remote northern regions are not uncommon, but the area’s rugged terrain and low population density often help limit widespread damage.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
