On Friday, a massive earthquake registering at a 7.0 magnitude hit Anchorage, Alaska, causing major infrastructure damage, power outages, and chaos.
“There is major infrastructure damage across Anchorage,” said the Anchorage Police Department in a bulletin, according to ABC News. “Many homes and buildings are damaged. Many roads and bridges are closed. Stay off the roads if you don’t need to drive. Seek a safe shelter. Check on your surroundings and loved ones.”
The quake reportedly hit at around 8:30 a.m. local time, about 7.5 miles north of the city of Anchorage. There was a brief tsunami warning issued for coastal regions of Cook Inlet and the Southern Kenai Peninsula, though it was later canceled, reports NPR.
“It was very loud when it came,” said Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz. “It was very clear that this was something bigger than what we normally experience.”
Schools were evacuated due to the damage and parents were called to pick up their children. A reported 21,000 patrons of Alaska’s largest electric utility, Chugach Electric, lost power.
“We currently have 21,000 members without power, and will restore as quickly and safely as possible. We have all crews called in and working. If you see a downed power line or any associated hazard, do not approach it,” read a tweet from Chugach Electric.
Video footage and photos of the actual quake and aftermath quickly hit social media:
Political leaders issued tweets of support and requests for prayer for the Alaskan people in the wake of the earthquake.
“To the Great people of Alaska. You have been hit hard by a ‘big one.’ Please follow the directions of the highly trained professionals who are there to help you. Your Federal Government will spare no expense. God Bless you ALL,” said President Donald Trump.
Former Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin wrote, “[Pray] for Alaska. Our family is intact – house is not… I imagine that’s the case for many, many others. So thankful to be safe; praying for our state following the earthquake.”