Massive earthquake crumbles roads, damages buildings in Alaska

ANCHORAGE, Ak. — Back-to-back earthquakes measuring 7.0 and 5.8 rocked buildings and shattered roads Friday morning in Anchorage, sending people running into the streets and briefly triggering a tsunami warning.

The initial 7.0 magnitude quake shook the city just after 8:30 a.m. local time. More than 50 strong aftershocks continued to rattle the area all afternoon.

The tsunami warning sparked traffic jams as people tried to move to higher ground. The warning has since been canceled.

Power was knocked out to much of the state's largest city. Photos showed large sections of highways collapsed, cracks in buildings and grocery stores with merchandise knocked of the shelves.

Gov. Bill Walker has issued a declaration of disaster and said his office has been in touch with the White House. President Trump tweeted to the people of Alaska, promising the federal government will spare no expense in helping with the recovery.

Former Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin tweeted that her family "is intact -- house is not."

The earthquake struck just as school started Friday, sending students starting their days diving for cover under desks and chairs.

There have been no reports yet of injuries, through crews are still working to get to some of the most affected areas. Anchorage Public Schools announced Friday afternoon that all schools will be closed Monday and Tuesday while officials assess damage.

Airports were also closed Friday, though some appeared to have reopened in a limited way by Friday afternoon.

Images posted to social media showed the widespread damage:

Cox Media Group