Anchorage-area residents continued assessing the damage
caused by a 7.0-magnitude earthquake that occurred at 8:29 a.m. on Friday.
Centered between Palmer and Anchorage, north of Alaska's largest and most
populous city, the quake and subsequent aftershocks damaged roads and buildings
throughout the region.
The Alaska Travel Industry Association shared the following
statement hours after the incident: "No injuries or deaths have been
reported, but there is widespread infrastructure damage to roads, bridges and
buildings in the surrounding areas and suburbs. Power is out in many places
across the city. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport has grounded
flights in and out of the airport. Travelers in Anchorage should take
precautions as aftershocks continue, and those with upcoming travel plans may
be impacted by numerous closures and should monitor updates based on their
itinerary."
As of Friday afternoon, the Ted Stevens Anchorage
International Airport had reopened but was operating in a limited capacity.
Jack Bonney of Visit Anchorage said that the organization's
employees were safe and accounted for.
"Many are checking on their homes and regrouping with
family. Visit Anchorage's facilities appear to be sound, and we're assessing
for any damage," he said by email. "We'll have more information in
the hours and days ahead, as the city and state get a better picture of the
quake's effects."
The Anchorage Museum closed on Friday and remained closed on
Saturday, as staff members surveyed the property for damage, said spokeswoman
Jeanette Moores. The Alaska Railroad website reported that all trains were canceled
through Dec. 2. Refunds will be issued to ticketholders.
At 5 p.m. on Friday, the Whittier Tunnel was open to traffic
and the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities continued
to conduct assessments of state-owned buildings in the area.
Updated earthquake and travel information are available here.