A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off Northern California on Thursday, leading to a tsunami warning for over 5.3 million people. Felt as far south as San Francisco, the earthquake was centered west of Ferndale. Residents received urgent alerts to evacuate coastal areas, while transit services were temporarily suspended as a precaution.
A significant earthquake, measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale, occurred off the coast of Northern California on Thursday at 10:44 a.m. Its epicenter was located west of Ferndale, a small city in Humboldt County, near the Oregon border. Residents as far south as San Francisco experienced the tremor, characterized by rolling motions that lasted for several seconds; this was subsequently followed by smaller aftershocks. In response to the earthquake, authorities have issued a tsunami warning affecting over 5.3 million residents across California, as confirmed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) has halted train services in all directions through the underwater tunnel connecting San Francisco and Oakland. According to estimates from the USGS, more than 1.3 million individuals lived sufficiently close to the quake’s epicenter to likely feel the seismic activity. In Santa Cruz, residents received urgent alerts from the National Weather Service emphasizing the threat from potential tsunami waves and advising immediate evacuation to higher ground, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
As a developing story, further updates regarding the earthquake’s aftermath, including any potential damage, safety measures, and the status of the tsunami warning, are expected to be released in the coming hours.
Earthquakes are a frequent occurrence in California due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates frequently shift, causing seismic activity. Coastal regions are particularly vulnerable to tsunamis, which can be generated by undersea earthquakes. The earthquake that struck Northern California on Thursday is categorized as significant due to its intensity and potential impact on millions of residents. Understanding the risks associated with such natural disasters is crucial for effective preparedness and response efforts.
In summary, a powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the Northern California coast, prompting widespread feelings of tremors and a consequent tsunami warning for millions of residents. Authorities have taken immediate action, including halting transit services and advising residents of coastal areas to evacuate to higher ground. Continued updates are awaited as developments unfold in response to this significant seismic event.
Original Source: www.kwtx.com
