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The 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit at 5.29pm GMT (8.29am local time) with the epicentre recorded just 12km north of Anchorage. A tsunami warning was in place for large parts of southern Alaska, including coastal areas around the Cook Inlet and the Southern Kenai Peninsula. The warning has since been lifted after no wave appeared. Those in at-risk areas were urged to evacuate further inland or to higher ground if possible and be prepared to follow instructions from emergency services.

Anchorage Police said there is “major infrastructure damage” across the city, with “many homes and buildings” damaged.

The force urged motorists to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary, warning drivers that “many roads and bridges are closed”.

Thousands of homes and businesses have been left without power across the city.

According to earthquake monitoring service EMSC, 510,000 people live within the area affected by the quake. It is not year clear whether there have been any injuries.

Terrified residents took to social media to share their experiences of the tremor with video posted on Twitter showing people taking cover under tables as light fixtures and furniture rocks back and forth.

Another picture showing the aftermath of the quake shows part of the ceiling in a shop collapsed.

READ MORE: Alaska earthquake MAP - where did the Anchorage quake hit?