A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off Northern California, prompting a tsunami warning for over 5 million residents. Tremors were felt as far south as San Francisco, leading to halted BART services, while warnings urged people to evacuate coastal areas.
On Thursday, a significant earthquake of magnitude 7.0 struck off the coast of Northern California, leading to the issuance of a tsunami warning by authorities. The quake occurred at 10:44 a.m. in proximity to Ferndale, a small city located in Humboldt County near the Oregon border, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey. Tremors were felt extensively, reaching as far south as San Francisco, where residents experienced a notable rolling motion lasting several seconds, followed by smaller aftershocks.
In response to the quake, the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) suspended all transit operations through the underwater tunnel connecting San Francisco and Oakland. Approximately 5.3 million residents in California received tsunami alerts, according to the USGS, indicating localized but minimal damage. An estimated 1.3 million individuals lived within a radius where the quake’s effects were perceptible.
Within the Santa Cruz area, residents were alerted by a warning from the National Weather Service, which stated: “A series of powerful waves and strong currents may impact coasts near you. You are in danger. Get away from coastal waters. Move to high ground or inland now. Keep away from the coast until local officials say it is safe to return.”
Earthquakes are tectonic events caused by the abrupt release of energy in the Earth’s crust, resulting in ground shaking. California is susceptible to such seismic activity due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where numerous tectonic plates meet. Earthquake preparedness and response protocols are crucial in mitigating risks. Tsunami warnings are commonly generated after significant seismic events in coastal regions, alerting residents to potential dangers from powerful waves.
In summary, the 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Northern California prompted a swift emergency response, including a tsunami warning for millions of residents. The quake’s impact extended across a broad geographical area, with significant tremors felt in major cities such as San Francisco. Authorities and emergency services have emphasized the necessity for residents to heed safety warnings and move to higher ground as a precaution.
Original Source: www.dailynews.com
