Mark Meyer/Reuters
A 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck near Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday morning, according to the United States Geological Survey. The Associated Press reports that the earthquake hit about 7 miles from the state’s largest city, causing “lamp posts and trees to sway.” An AP reporter saw cracks in a 2-story building, and posts on social media show major damage to some roads. In a statement, the Anchorage Police Department announced that there was “major infrastructure damage” across the city and advised residents to “seek a safe shelter.” Earlier, a tsunami warning was also issued by the National Weather Service for southern Alaska’s coastal areas, but it was later canceled.
Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin wrote on Twitter that her family was “intact” but her house was not. “I imagine that’s the case for many, many others. So thankful to be safe; praying for our state following the earthquake,” she wrote. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders tweeted that President Trump was briefed on the earthquake and that staffers are monitoring damage reports. “We are praying for the safety of all Alaskans!” Sanders wrote.