BIGGER EARTHQUAKE COULD HIT THE US AMID TSUNAMI WARNINGS? WHAT TRAVELLERS SHOULD CHECK WITH AIRLINES

Two powerful earthquakes, each above magnitude 7.0, struck Alaska and Japan within days of one another, prompting a fresh wave of concern among travellers, airlines and tourism boards across the Pacific region.

A magnitude-7.0 quake rattled a remote area near Alaska’s border with Canada on December 6. Just 48 hours later, northern Japan was hit by a stronger 7.6-magnitude quake that triggered tsunami warnings, forced tens of thousands to evacuate and left at least 30 people injured. Japanese authorities later cautioned that an even more powerful earthquake could occur within the week, urging residents and visitors from Hokkaido down to Chiba (east of Tokyo) to remain on high alert.

Should travellers be worried?

Although the two events were striking in strength and proximity, seismologists stress that they appear to be unrelated. According to Brandon Schmandt, a seismology expert at Rice University, it does not happen all the time but it is not that crazy. The US Geological Survey (USGS) estimates that the world typically sees around 15 earthquakes of magnitude 7.0 or higher every year, spaced unpredictably across the globe. That randomness means it is statistically normal for two major quakes to occur close together in time.

CalTech seismologist Lucy Jones noted that the planet averages one magnitude-7 earthquake per month, meaning some months pass quietly while others see clusters. She revealed that they have for and could not find any physical correlation, emphasising that the Alaska and Japan quakes do not indicate a chain reaction.

Why Japan issued warnings despite no direct link

After major earthquakes, there is a 5% chance that a bigger one will follow nearby within a few days, which will be significantly higher than baseline probability. This is why Japan remains on alert even though the Alaska quake had no influence on its seismic activity.

Travellers in northern Japan may notice emergency alerts, increased public-safety announcements and temporary transport disruptions as authorities monitor aftershocks.

What this means for travellers heading to Alaska or Japan

Tourism officials emphasise that neither destination is closed to travellers but situational awareness is essential.

In Japan

• Expect continued alerts and aftershocks, especially in Hokkaido and Tohoku.
• Some roads and local transit lines may face temporary closures.
• Hotels and airports remain operational, but travellers should follow guidance from local authorities.

In Alaska

• The impacted region was remote, with no major tourism sites affected.
• No tsunami threat or major infrastructural damage has been reported.
• Routine aftershocks may continue but pose limited risk to visitors.

Airlines have not announced widespread disruptions but travellers should check with carriers for region-specific waivers or rebooking policies.

Could a bigger quake hit the US? A look at the ‘big one’ fears

While most of the US is safe from major seismic activity, the West Coast and southern Alaska remain zones of concern. The Cascadia Subduction Zone, stretching from Northern California through Oregon and Washington into Canada, is capable of producing a devastating 9.0-magnitude event, the last of which occurred in 1700.

Scientists estimate a 37% chance of a 7.1+ megathrust earthquake in this region within the next 50 years. For travellers exploring the Pacific Northwest, experts recommend:

• Knowing the earthquake protocols in your hotel and in public spaces
• Familiarising yourself with evacuation routes in coastal areas
• Signing up for local emergency alerts during your visit

Understanding earthquake magnitude: What the numbers mean for travellers

According to Michigan Technological University:

• Below 2.5: Not felt
• 2.5–5.4: Minor, safe
• 5.5–6.0: Possible mild structural damage
• 6.1–6.9: Serious regional damage
• 7.0–7.9: Major earthquake
• 8.0+: Catastrophic

Bottom line for travellers

Two major quakes occurring days apart may feel alarming but experts maintain that this is well within statistical norms — and not a signal of a broader seismic pattern. Still, with Japan temporarily on heightened alert and aftershocks continuing in both regions, travellers should stay informed, follow official advisories, and remain earthquake-aware when exploring Pacific destinations.