25 January, 2016
A magnitude-7.1 earthquake shook south-central Alaska Sunday.
At least four homes were destroyed but no injuries or deaths were reported, according to the Associated Press and the Alaska Dispatch News.
The earthquake was centered 85 kilometers west of Anchor Point, Alaska, and about 250 kilometers southwest of Anchorage. One eyewitness said the earthquake lasted 30 seconds, according to a CNN news report.
Roads and building were damaged and power was out in many areas.
A resident of Kenai, Alaska, described the early morning quake.
"It started out as a shaking, and it seemed very much like a normal earthquake," he said. "But then it started to feel like a normal swaying. It was unsettling. Some things got knocked over, but there was no damage."
Aftershocks followed the quake, including one of 4.7 magnitude felt in Anchorage and Juneau. Anchorage residents did not report any injuries or damage, according to NBC News.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, an earthquake with a 7.1 magnitude is considered a major earthquake. These earthquakes cause damage to buildings and can be felt across long distances.
I'm George Grow.
VOA News reported on this story. Jim Dresbach adapted the story for Learning English. Additional information came from CNN and NBC News. Kathleen Struck was the editor.
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Words in This Story
magnitude – n. the size or importance of something; a number that shows the power of an earthquake
according – adv. as stated by or in
swaying – v. moving or causing to move back and forth
aftershocks – n. waves of motion after an earthquake that can strike days or weeks later