Alaska earthquake: Trump calls 7.0 magnitude quake to hit near Anchorage a 'big one'

Tsunami warning issued in wake of tremor but later lifted

Employees of Nesbett Courthouse take shelter during Anchorage earthquake in Alaska

A 7.0 magnitude earthquake has struck near the city of Anchorage in Alaska, causing major damage to a number of roads and buildings.

A tsunami warning was issued for parts of the state but officials later cancelled it, as residents began posting videos of ceiling tiles falling and furniture rumbling in the quake.

Former governor Sarah Palin was among those who say their homes have been damaged, but she tweeted that her family was safe in spite of the damage to her home.

Scientists say that this particular earthquake was caused by two tectonic plates moving apart, and images of roadways show areas where roads simply collapsed in place as if the ground had been moved out from underneath.

No deaths were reported from the earthquake, but President Donald Trump did weigh in to say that the state has the full support of the American government for any recovery needs.

"To the Great people of Alaska. You have been hit hard by a 'big one'", Mr Trump tweeted from Argentina, where he is attending the G20 summit. "Please follow the directions of the highly trained professionals who are there to help you. Your Federal Government will spare no expense. God Bless you ALL"!

Mr Trump stopped short of issuing a disaster declaration for the state, but Alaska Governor Bill Walker said that he is in contact with the White House for recovery as things proceed.

"From the incident command centre established at Joint Base Elmendorf and Richardson we are closely monitoring reports of aftershocks and assessing damage to roads, bridges and buildings," Mr Walker wrote on Facebook announcing a state disaster declaration. "My family is praying for yours. God bless Alaska".

Read along for live updates as they happened on Friday

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Key Points

• Donald Trump says that Alaska has been hit by a 'big one'
• A number of major roads crack down middle during tremor\
• Alaska's governor issues a disaster declaration
• City of Anchorage sustains extensive damage 

[30 November 2018 19:17 · Chris Stevenson]

Hello and welcome to our coverage of the aftermath of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that hit near Anchorage, Alaska, earlier this afternoon.

[30 November 2018 19:19 · Chris Stevenson]

The powerful tremor sparked a tsunami warning for parts of the Alaskan coast before being lifted.

USGS 

[30 November 2018 19:20 · Chris Stevenson]

However, the earthquake has seeming caused extensive damage after striking about 7.5 miles north of the city, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported.

[30 November 2018 19:26 · Chris Stevenson]

Former Alaska governor Sarah Plain has said that her house is "not OK" after the tremor, but her family are.

 

[30 November 2018 19:27 · Chris Stevenson]

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says they have evacuated the tower at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.

Flights that were en route are being diverted, and flights that are bound for this airport but have not taken off yet are under a ground stop.

There are about 20 flights initially affected, but this preliminary number may change as officials continue assessing the damage.

[30 November 2018 19:36 · Chris Stevenson]

Anchorage police say they are dealing with a number of incidents after the earthquake.

Here is their full statement:

The Anchorage Police Department is operational after this morning’s massive earthquake. 

Our Dispatch center is fully staffed and answering your calls as quickly as they can. Please only call 911 if it’s an emergency.

Our officers have been dispatched throughout the area and are handling multiple situations. We are working with our public safety partners to keep you safe. For parents, we are working with our partners at the Anchorage School District to check on your children and make sure they are safe.

There is major infrastructure damage across Anchorage. Many homes and buildings are damaged. Many roads and bridges are closed. Stay off the roads if you don’t need to drive. Seek a safe shelter. Check on your surroundings and loved ones.

We will keep you updated via Nixle throughout the day.

Again, stay safe and off the roads. Call 911 only if it’s an emergency.

[30 November 2018 19:42 · Chris Stevenson]

US military base Elmendorf-Richardson is conducting a damage assessment 

“We have recalled our senior staff into our emergency response centre", spokeswoman Dana Rosso told CNN

The is not the only US military base in Alaska, but it is the largest. The base is standing by to render assistance if asked by local and state officials.

[30 November 2018 19:47 · Chris Stevenson]

There are a number of damaged roads around Anchorage international airport  - with Twitter users posting evidence.

 

[30 November 2018 19:52 · Chris Stevenson]

Here is the scene at local Anchorage TV station KTVA:

 

  

 

[30 November 2018 19:56 · Chris Stevenson]

And here is some footage from a local courthouse during the earthquake: