Strong quake hits Alaska, sparks tsunami warning

A tsunami warning is in effect for parts of southern Alaska and coastal Canada after a strong earthquake shook the region at midnight Friday.

The warning area includes coastal areas from about 75 miles (120 kilometers) southeast of Cordova, Alaska, to the north tip of Vancouver Island, Canada, the Alaska Tsunami Warning Center said. The warning area extends for about 475 miles (765 kilometers).

The magnitude 7.5 quake struck at midnight Friday (1 a.m. PST Saturday) and was centered about 60 miles (95 kilometers) west of Craig, Alaska, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

A tsunami with a ``significant widespread inundation of land is expected,'' the center said in a statement.

The first wave was expected around 1:15 a.m. (2:15 a.m. PST) in Craig, and 2:50 a.m. in Cordova, further to the north.

The center said widespread dangerous coastal flooding is possible.

In addition to the warning, a tsunami advisory is in effect for coastal Alaska from Cape Suckling to 75 miles (120 kilometers) southeast of Cordova and from the Washington state border to the tip of Vancouver Island.

A tsunami warning means an area is likely to be hit by a wave, while an advisory means there may be strong currents, but that widespread inundation is not expected to occur.

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