(Strange Sounds) – More than 500 small earthquakes have hit parts of Alaska since Friday, when a 7.0-magnitude quake knocked out power, ripped open roads and splintered buildings near Anchorage. “This is the second largest earthquake we’ve had since 1964, which was a very significant earthquake,” Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz told reporters Saturday, referring a historic magnitude-9.2 quake that was the most powerful recorded temblor in US history. “But in terms of a disaster, I think it says more about who we are than what we suffered.
I would characterize this as a demonstration that Anchorage is prepared for these kinds of emergencies.” Despite damage to roads and buildings, no fatalities or serious injuries were reported, officials said. In Alaska’s largest city – with a population of about 300,000 – airports, hospitals, emergency services and most businesses were operating. “The bottom line on the utility structure is that the power is up, the heat is on, the communication lines are opening,” said Anchorage Municipal Manager Bill Falsey. READ MORE
