March 27, 1964:

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)

Impact:

• 131 fatalities reported
• Estimated Damage Costs: 300-400 million USD (1964) (approx. 2.4-3.1 trillion today)

Related Resources:

• HSDL In Focus: Earthquakes
• 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 search results for: Great Alaska Earthquake

Photo: (Credit: U.S. Army) Collapse of Fourth Avenue near C Street in Anchorage due to a landslide caused by the earthquake.