A powerful magnitude-7.0 earthquake shook parts of Northern California early Thursday, triggering a brief tsunami warning that led to evacuations in several coastal areas including parts of the San Francisco Bay.
The significant quake struck offshore, about 100 kilometers northwest of Ferndale, a city in Humboldt County with a population of over 1,000 residents. The tremor occurred at 10:44 a.m. local time (1844 GMT), according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
Initially reported as a magnitude-6.6 event, the USGS later upgraded it to a 7.0 magnitude. The earthquake’s shallow focus was identified at a depth of just 0.6 kilometers, intensifying its impact on the surrounding areas.
Residents across Northern California reported feeling the quake, with some experiencing intense shaking. “It felt like the whole house was swaying,” said a resident of Ferndale. Authorities quickly issued a tsunami warning, urging people in low-lying coastal areas to move to higher ground.
The tsunami warning was lifted after a few hours, and no significant wave activity was reported. Emergency services are assessing the situation, but there have been no immediate reports of serious injuries or major damage.
Earthquakes are not uncommon in California due to the state’s location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for seismic activity. Thursday’s quake serves as a stark reminder of the importance of earthquake preparedness in the region.
“We encourage all residents to review their emergency plans and stay informed,” said a spokesperson for the California Office of Emergency Services.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
