Tsunami warning in Alaska as 8.2 magnitude earthquake strikes southern coast

According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake measuring 8.2 on the Richter scale struck some 300 km south-east of Kodiak at a depth of 10 km at 09:31 GMT.

A tsunami alert has been issued in Alaska after 8.2 magnitude earthquake jolted that southern cost of the state.

According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake measuring 8.2 on the Richter scale struck some 300 km south-east of Kodiak island. The epicenter was 10-km under the seabed. 

The US National Tsunami Warning Center said the tsunami alert has been issued for areas including the coasts of British Columbia and Alaska.

Warnings from the National Weather Service sent to cellphones in Alaska warned: “Emergency Alert. Tsunami danger on the coast. Go to high ground or move inland.”

Less-ominous tsunami watches were issued for the US west coast -- the entire coasts of California and Oregon and part of Washington state. In Alaska, authorities urged coast dwellers to seek safety. 

"If you are located in this coastal area, move inland to higher ground. Tsunami warnings mean that a tsunami with significant inundation is possible or is already occurring. Tsunamis are a series of waves dangerous many hours after initial arrival time. The first wave may not be the largest," the Anchorage Office of Emergency Management said. 

Alaska, northwest of Canada, is the largest and most sparsely populated US state. It's known for its diverse terrain of open spaces, mountains and forests, with abundant wildlife and many small towns.