An earthquake with a magnitude of 8.0 on the Richter scale was recorded earlier today at 12:53 p.m. local time near the Little Sitkin Island of Alaska.

While the U.S. Geological Survey usually downgrades the measurement of earthquake magnitudes, what was originally thought to be a 7.1 reading was increased to an 8.0 reading after calibrating and upgrading the measurement. Aftershocks as strong as 5.9 magnitudes continued to tremor among the Aleutian Islands, almost reaching the populated regions. The recorded depth of the earthquake was found to be at around 60 miles. Fortunately, no immediate damage has been reported so far.

Alaskan coastal regions are under warnings of the possibility of a tsunami hitting their areas. According to tsunami.gov, there is the possibility that significant inundation is already occurring. The warnings advise locals to move to higher ground or go inland if at all possible. Another issued advisory tells them to expect dangerous waves and that sea level changes may be experienced near the Northwest and around the coastal areas of Alaska. However, it should not be too destructive.

Prior to the earthquake that struck Alaska, a 6.9 magnitude earthquake was also experienced at the complete opposite side of the ocean just north of New Zealand.

The biggest and most devastating tsunamis occurred in Alaska, according to CBS. Back in 1958, one of the biggest recorded mega-waves struck Lituya Bay in Alaska. It reached a staggering height of 1,720 feet. Then in 1964, a shattering earthquake followed by a tsunami occurred throughout the coast of Crescent City, California, with deadly waves wiping out many of the coastal areas.

The U.S. Geological Survey also added that Alaska is indeed among the most seismically active regions around the globe, with an annual occurrence of an earthquake with at least a 7.0 magnitude, while an 8.0 or greater magnitude takes place every 14 years on average. Very little impact is expected on the coastline of California, Washington, and Oregon from the quake.