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U.S. Declares Health Emergency To Aid Alaska

Leon County Judge John Cooper on June 30, 2022, in a screen grab from The Florida Channel.
Library of Congress
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The Florida Channel
Denali National Park in Alaska. The state was hit by a 7.0 earthquake Friday north of Anchorage.

Federal officials have declared a public health emergency in Alaska following the powerful earthquake.

No outbreaks of disease or other major health problems have been reported.

Instead, health officials say Monday's action will ensure that Medicaid funds continue to be issued despite the temporary closure of offices.

Federal mental health assistance also is available for people feeling stressed out by the disaster.

No deaths or serious injuries were reported from the 7.0 temblor that struck Friday north of Anchorage.

The health declaration was made by Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar and aims to provide greater flexibility for federal officials in providing health aid.

President Donald Trump previously declared an emergency in the state.

Hundreds of aftershocks since have frayed the nerves of quake-weary Alaskans.