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5.4 Quake Jolts Alaska

No injuries or major damage reported after quake shakes Anchorage region

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 23, 2009 1:28 AM CDT

(Newser) – A strong earthquake jolted southern Alaska yesterday but there were no immediate reports of injuries or major damage, the Anchorage Daily News reports. The epicenter of the 5.4 magnitude quake was some 60 miles north of Anchorage, where the rumbling lasted several minutes and sent people diving for cover under furniture and in doorways.

The quake was followed by several aftershocks and was felt over a 300-mile radius. Seismologists said the quake was 26 miles deep, which accounted for the huge affected area as well as a lack of major damage. "All shook up," Gov. Sarah Palin wrote on Twitter. "Thankful there are no reports of injury or damage."

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

This map locates the earthquake epicenter near Willow, Alaska. (AP Photo)

The quake was felt across the Anchorage region, which is home to most of Alaska's population. (Shutter Stock)

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Things were swinging pretty good and shaking, like pictures on the wall, bottles rattling—and my blood pressure went up at least 20 points.
- Pam Rannals, a bartender in Talkeetna, 30 miles from the epicenter

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5.4 Quake Jolts Alaska