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

Please allow a moment for the liveblog to load

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 22:52 · Clark Mindock]

President Donald Trump has weighed in on the earthquake and promised support for the state, but stopped short of declaring a disaster.

Mr Trump is currently in Argentina where he is meeting with world leaders for the G20 summit.