US: Alaska hit by massive 7.0 magnitude earthquake

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON

A powerful earthquake hit Anchorage, Alaska Friday jolting buildings and damaging roadways.

The extent of the damage remains unclear, but footage posted online shows major roadways have buckled under the seismic force and at least one vehicle is stranded.

The epicenter was just 7 miles 12 kilometers (12 kilometers) north of Alaska's largest city.

The Geological Survey placed the temblor's magnitude at 7.0 after initially giving a preliminary reading of 6.6.

A series of aftershocks hit the area with the largest quake measuring in at 5.7, according to the survey.

A tsunami warning for parts of southeastern Alaska was issued shortly after the first earthquake struck. It was later cancelled.

Alaska Gov. Bill Walker declared a state of disaster, saying on Twitter he has been in contact with the White House on the matter.

Walker said he and other senior Alaska officials are coordinating with emergency response teams "to make sure Alaskans are safe."

"We are closely monitoring reports of aftershocks and assessing damage to roads, bridges and buildings," he said.

A response command center has been established at a military base northeast of Anchorage, according to Walker.