A magnitude 7.0 earthquake near Petrolia, California, occurred on Thursday, triggering a tsunami warning from southern Oregon to San Francisco. Residents in low-lying coastal areas are urged to evacuate inland as tsunami waves are anticipated to arrive later in the day. The economic impact could reach tens of millions of dollars based on current estimates.
A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck near Petrolia, California, on Thursday at 10:44 a.m. local time, prompting a tsunami warning that spans from southern Oregon to San Francisco. The quake was reported near the northern California coast, particularly felt across Humboldt County, and occurred along the San Andreas fault. Following the earthquake, officials issued a tsunami warning at 10:49 a.m., indicating a potential arrival of tsunami waves along the northern California coast beginning at 11:10 a.m. near Fort Bragg and reaching San Francisco around 12:10 p.m. Residents along the affected areas were advised to evacuate inland beyond the tsunami hazard zones.
Earthquakes are significant geological events that can potentially cause widespread destruction. The moment magnitude scale is used to quantify the strength of earthquakes, where each step on the scale represents a tenfold increase in amplitude. California’s position along the tectonically active San Andreas fault makes it particularly susceptible to seismic activity. The region regularly prepares for the possibility of earthquakes and tsunami events, highlighting the importance of public awareness and readiness.
In summary, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake that occurred off the coast of Petrolia, California, has raised serious tsunami alerts affecting a wide stretch of the Northern Californian coastline. Safety measures are being advised for residents in coastal zones, and the potential for economic losses remains significant, signifying the need for ongoing monitoring and community preparedness to mitigate risks associated with seismic events.
Original Source: www.rgj.com
