On Thursday, residents of Northern California were jolted by a significant seismic event—a 7.0 magnitude earthquake centered west of Ferndale, near the Oregon border. The impact was felt as far away as San Francisco, leading to a brief tsunami warning for the region’s coast.

The quake occurred at 10:44 a.m., causing widespread concern as it sent tremors across the U.S. West Coast. Despite its strength, there were no initial reports of severe damage or injuries. In Ferndale, known for its charming local businesses and attractions, shop owner Julie Kreitzer described the tremors shaking the Golden Gait Mercantile, leaving a mess of strewn goods in its wake.

The U.S. Geological Survey identified the quake’s epicenter in Humboldt County, approximately 130 miles from the Oregon border. This quake was among the most powerful the region had experienced since a 7.1-magnitude tremor in Ridgecrest in 2019. Following the initial shock, several smaller aftershocks were recorded, though none matched the intensity of the original event.

The National Weather Service promptly issued a tsunami warning, affecting nearly 500 miles of coastline from Monterey Bay through to Oregon. The warning was lifted after an hour, alleviating fears of a significant coastal threat. The alert served as a reminder of the seismic volatility in the region, often referred to as ‘earthquake country’ due to its location at the confluence of three tectonic plates.

Communication systems buzzed with warnings, instructing residents to evacuate and seek higher ground. In many communities, like Santa Cruz and Crescent City, authorities acted swiftly to clear beaches and roads. Aerial footage captured the resulting exodus as vehicles packed highways, escaping potential danger.

Local officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, responded promptly, declaring a state of emergency to expedite the deployment of resources. Crews in Eureka, one of the larger cities nearby, began infrastructure inspections. In educational institutions across the region, like California State Polytechnic University in Arcata, protocols for sheltering in place were implemented.

Witnesses shared their experiences through various social media platforms. San Francisco residents described experiencing a rolling motion during the quake and observed authorities evacuating surfers from Ocean Beach. In Rio Dell, business owners faced cleanup challenges as products were dislodged, leaving aisles cluttered.

Seismologist Lucy Jones, providing insights on social media, explained that the type of quake—a strike-slip event—minimized tsunami risks, as this movement is characterized by horizontal shifting.

This incident is part of California’s seismic history, where over 150 tsunamis have been recorded since 1800. Although most cause minimal impact, some have been severe, as evidenced by the past events in Crescent City after the 1964 Alaska earthquake and the 2011 Japan quake.

While the recent earthquake off the Northern California coast fortunately resulted in no major injuries or damage, the event served as a stark reminder of the region’s seismic activity and potential risks. The quick response from local authorities and the effective communication of warnings showcased the preparedness and resilience of the communities along the West Coast.

Source: Apnews