California experienced two major earthquakes early Thursday, measuring 6.6 and 7.0 magnitudes, prompting tsunami warnings across northern California and southern Oregon. The warnings were canceled after an hour, with state officials coordinating an emergency response and cities issuing evacuation orders, particularly in Berkeley. Governor Newsom is actively engaged with emergency services following this incident.
Early Thursday morning, California experienced two significant earthquakes near its coast, measuring magnitudes 6.6 and 7.0 according to preliminary data from the United States Geological Survey. The first quake’s epicenter was located approximately 40 miles west-northwest of Petrolia, while the second, larger earthquake, was situated about 60 miles west-southwest of Ferndale. This triggered tsunami warnings for northern California and southern Oregon, which were in effect for about an hour before being canceled by the US National Tsunami Warning Center, which stated, “There is no longer a tsunami threat from this earthquake.”
Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the situation and is coordinating with state emergency officials. The earthquake prompted several cities to issue evacuation orders due to the tsunami threat. Notably, the City of Berkeley posted a statement urging residents in the tsunami zone to evacuate immediately, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Earthquakes are a common occurrence along the Pacific Coast, particularly in California, which is situated on the highly active San Andreas Fault. Seismologists closely monitor seismic activity due to the potential risks associated with significant tremors, including the danger of tsunamis, which can result when an undersea earthquake displaces water. The recent quakes off California’s coast highlight the region’s vulnerability to such natural disasters, necessitating timely warnings and emergency responses to ensure public safety.
In summary, California has faced a considerable earthquake threat this morning, leading to immediate action from state officials and local authorities. The issuance and subsequent cancellation of tsunami warnings demonstrate the rapid response protocols in place to safeguard the population. The coordination between government entities and adherence to emergency orders are essential in protecting communities during such seismic events.
Original Source: www.businessinsider.com
