Learn about the Great Alaska Earthquake

March 25, 2014

The Great Alaska Earthquake occurred on March 27, 1964. It rang in at an astounding magnitude 9.2. The quake and ensuing tsunami took 128 lives and caused about $311 million in property loss.. Anchorage, northwest of the epicenter, sustained the most severe damage to property. About 30 blocks of dwellings and commercial buildings were damaged or destroyed in the downtown area as portions of it collapsed more than 11 feet during the quake. This photo shows the damage in the downtown area.. More information about the Great Alaska Earthquake is available at http://earthquake.usgs.gov/.../states/events/1964_03_28.php.. UPI photo.

March 27 marks the 50th anniversary of the catastrophic Alaska earthquake. Earlier this week, State Seismologist Mike West, U.S. Geological Survey Research Geologist Peter Haeussler and Paul Whitmore, director of the NOAA National Tsunami Warning Center, held a press conference to share information and research from the past 50 years.

The 1964 quake occurred at a pivotal time in the history of plate tectonics theory, giving scientists a context to understand the hazards of earthquakes such as this magnitude 9.2 event. The catastrophic quake in 1964 led to the creation of modern, national programs to reduce risk from earthquakes and tsunamis.

Here a few ways to find more information about the event and to prepare for future earthquakes:

Learn about the 1964 earthquake by downloading this fact sheet (PDF) or by visiting the USGS website.

Visit the Alaska Earthquake Information Center for real-time reporting on temblors in the state.

Familiarize yourself and your family about the actions to take during an earthquake (PDF).

Visit the Great Alaska Shakeout website for information about earthquake preparedness and to sign up to participate in the drill.

The Alaska Film Archives has posted dozens of film clips, including never-before-seen footage.

Download the Earthquake App from the American Red Cross.