A moderate earthquake struck the Kluane National Park region on Saturday afternoon. Earthquakes Canada reported a magnitude of 7.0 near the Alaskan-Yukon border, occurring at a depth of five kilometers. The tremors were felt as far as 250 kilometers away in Whitehorse, where the U.S. Geological Survey recorded a lower magnitude of 5.3.
Key Details of the Earthquake
The earthquake hit at approximately 1:41 p.m., followed by several aftershocks. Fortunately, local authorities, including the Whitehorse RCMP and fire department, reported no injuries or significant damage to buildings.
Community Reactions
Residents in nearby areas reacted to the shaking. Ramandeep Kaur, working at the Talbot Arm Motel in Destruction Bay, mentioned, “There was mild shaking that lasted 5-6 minutes. No injuries in our building.”
Jane Mendoza, the manager of the Top Spot convenience store in Haines Junction, described the experience, stating, “I thought a truck was coming from the parking lot, but it was getting stronger and stronger.” She confirmed that nothing fell from shelves during the incident.
Yukon Energy Response
Yukon Energy announced that staff would examine facilities following the tremors to ensure safety. Additionally, Yukon Highways and Public Works informed the public that the South Klondike Highway would close from kilometer 24 to kilometer 106, due to heightened avalanche risks, with plans for a reassessment the next morning.
Scientific Insights
Shannon Ryan, a Whitehorse resident, shared her experience, noting, “I stopped mid-conversation when things started to shake. It lasted a long time. Nothing fell, but glasses were rattling.”
Edwin Nissen, a professor at the University of Victoria, remarked that earthquakes in this area are not uncommon. He referenced past seismic activity in 1899, 1979, 2002, and 2017, explaining, “I don’t think that today’s earthquake was unexpected… it always takes us seismologists somewhat by surprise.”
Conclusion
Overall, the recent earthquake near the Yukon-Alaska border was a notable seismic event, with residents feeling the effects but fortunately no serious damage or injuries reported. Monitoring and safety assessments are ongoing in the affected areas as the community responds to this natural occurrence.
