The quake struck 155 miles south east of Chiniak on the southern Alaskan coast at a depth of six miles.

The tsunami warning is in place across the western coast of the US, from Alaska down to the California-Mexico border.

Hawaii and parts of Canada have also been issued with tsunami alerts.

Terrified residents have been told to take refuge on higher ground in affected areas.

Locals in the city of Anchorage said they were alerted to the danger by text messages.

Shaun Dyess said: “I’m here in Anchorage, Alaska. It was shaking for a long time. Hope no one got hurt.”

Reports on social media suggest the tremors were felt as far south as Seattle and Vancouver.

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