7.3 magnitude earthquake strikes near Alaska, prompts brief tsunami warning

SEWARD, Alaska (CNN, KYMA/KECY) - Residents of Seward, Alaska were forced to evacuate to higher ground Wednesday after a powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck offshore.

The quake hit approximately 50 miles south of Sand Point, in the Aleutian Islands region.

The shaking prompted the National Tsunami Warning Center to issue a tsunami warning, urging caution along parts of the Alaska coastline. However, the warning was later canceled after officials determined there was no significant threat of a tsunami.

No major injuries or damage were immediately reported, but the incident served as a reminder of the seismic risk in the region.

Alaska is one of the most earthquake-prone areas in the United States.