Magnitude 7.0 Earthquake rocks Southcentral Alaska

Friday morning’s Magnitude 7.0 earthquake caused significant damage in Anchorage and parts of the Mat-Su Valley.

The earthquake’s epicenter was near Goose Bay at a depth of 44 kilometers. In the Northern Susitna Valley, damage was mostly limited to loose items falling, and no serious injuries were reported in the area.

Further south, transportation infrastructure suffered major damage. The Glenn Highway was shut down near Eagle River due to damage from the earthquake, and a section of Vine Road north of Wasilla has collapsed. It is possible to drive to and from Anchorage, but authorities ask that drivers avoid the damaged areas if possible. Most other roadways remained passable as of Friday evening.

The earthquake also knocked out power to tens of thousands of people in the Valley. By Friday afternoon, Matanuska Electric Association restored power to a majority of their members, but about 10,000 still did not have power.

Crowley, Tesoro, Cubby’s Marketplace, and both locations of the Sunshine Community Health center remained open following the earthquake.

Most Valley schools will be closed Monday and Tuesday, but Northern Valley schools are expected to be open.

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough issued a disaster emergency declaration following the earthquake on Friday afternoon.