After massive earthquake, Alaska hit by over 230 aftershocks

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Alaska, which was hit by a massive 7.0-magnitude earthquake, also experienced over 230 aftershocks. However, damage was avoided since the intensity was low. 

The magnitude-7.0 earthquake sent residents scurrying for cover when it hit about 8.30 a.m. on Friday. The quake was centred 10 miles northeast of Anchorage, the state's largest city with a population of about 300,000.

A magnitude-5.2 aftershock at about 11 p.m. on Friday was the second-biggest event since a magnitude-5.7 temblor hit minutes after the main quake earlier in the day, a USGS official told CNN on Saturday.

"That would have given people a shake and probably a bit of a scare given what they went through yesterday.

The magnitude-7.0 earthquake sent residents scurrying for cover when it hit about 8.30 a.m. Friday. The quake was centred 10 miles northeast of Anchorage, the state's largest city with a population of about 300,000.

"This is the second largest earthquake we've had since 1964, which was a very significant earthquake," Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz told reporters on Saturday, referring a historic magnitude-9.2 quake that was the most powerful recorded temblor in US history.

"But in terms of a disaster, I think it says more about who we are than what we suffered. I would characterise this as a demonstration that Anchorage is prepared for these kind of emergencies."

Despite damage to roads and buildings, no fatalities or serious injuries were reported.

(With IANS inputs)