A strong earthquake, registering over magnitude 7, struck off the coast of Northern California on Thursday morning, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The quake occurred at 10:44 AM local time in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 5.5 miles (9 kilometers) west of Ferndale, a small coastal town in Humboldt County. Several minor aftershocks followed the main tremor.
Tsunami Alert and Regional Impact
- A tsunami alert was initially issued by the National Tsunami Warning Center but was later lifted.
- Residents across regions like Petrolia, Scotia, and Cobb reported powerful tremors, with the quake’s effects felt as far as San Francisco.
- The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) temporarily suspended services through its underwater tunnel connecting San Francisco and Oakland as a precaution.
In Santa Cruz, mobile devices received emergency tsunami alerts from the National Weather Service, warning of “powerful waves and strong currents.” Residents were urged to move to higher ground or inland and avoid the coast until officials declared it safe.
Damage and Response
- The USGS issued a yellow alert, indicating potential localized damage but minimal widespread impact.
- Over 1.3 million people are estimated to have felt the tremors, though no fatalities, injuries, or significant property damage have been reported so far.
- California Governor Gavin Newsom was briefed on the situation and coordinated with state emergency officials to oversee response efforts.
The earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the seismic risks along California’s coast, where preparedness and swift action remain critical to minimizing potential harm.
