A magnitude 9.2 earthquake struck in the Prince William Sound region of Alaska. It lasted for approximately 4.5 minutes, and is the most powerful earthquake recorded in U.S. history. It is the second largest earthquake ever recorded and triggered tsunamis with a run-up of more than 100 feet.—(USGS)
Date of event: March 27, 1964
Impact:
- 131 fatalities reported
- Estimated Damage Costs: 300-400 million USD (1964) (approx. 2.4-3.1 trillion today)
Related Resources:
- 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake and Tsunamis – A Modern Perspective and Enduring Legacies
- Alaska Earthquake, March 27, 1964: Lessons and Conclusions
- Are You Prepared for the Next Big Earthquake in Alaska?
HSDL Featured Topic: Earthquakes
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Photo: (Credit: U.S. Army) Collapse of Fourth Avenue near C Street in Anchorage due to a landslide caused by the earthquake.