Alaska-Yukon shaken by magnitude-7.0 earthquake as Kilauea volcano erupts in Hawaii

A MAGNITUDE-7.0 earthquake struck a sparsely populated mountainous area along the Alaska–Yukon border on Saturday, seismologists confirmed, sending tremors across hundreds of kilometres.

AFP cited the United States Geological Survey (USGS) stating the quake occurred at 2041 GMT and was followed by more than 30 aftershocks ranging in magnitude from 3.3 to 5.1 over the subsequent three hours.

The epicentre was located approximately 248 kilometres west of Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon, and around 370 kilometres northwest of Juneau, Alaska’s capital.

In Yakutat, Alaska, one of the communities nearest to the epicentre, Police Chief Theo Capes told AFP that no injuries or structural damage had been reported.

“It went on for a surprisingly long time, around 15 to 20 seconds,” he added, describing the duration of the shaking as startling. The US Tsunami Warning System confirmed that no tsunami threat had been issued in the aftermath of the quake.

Meanwhile, on Hawaii’s Big Island, Kilauea volcano erupted once again, sending molten lava streaming from the Halemaʻumaʻu crater.

The eruption began around 8.45 a.m. local time on Saturday, with two active vents propelling lava onto the crater floor.

Observers reported dramatic lava fountains reaching heights of over 30 metres, creating a spectacular display visible across the surrounding area.

The eruption marks the 38th episode since Kilauea became active in December 2024.

Although the lava flows remain confined within the national park, authorities warned of hazards including toxic gases such as sulfur dioxide and the formation of ‘vog,’ an acidic haze that can affect air quality and public health.

Visitors were advised to adhere strictly to safety directives and avoid restricted zones. Natural glass fibres known as “Pele’s hair” may also form from the lava jets, posing additional risks to skin and respiratory health.

Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, continues to draw scientists and tourists alike, and the latest eruption serves as a vivid reminder of the power of geological forces and the ongoing need for careful monitoring of volcanic activity. - December 7, 2025