A magnitude 7.0 earthquake near Petrolia, California, triggered a tsunami warning from southern Oregon to San Francisco Bay. The quake was felt broadly in Humboldt County, prompting evacuation advisories. Authorities warned of potential flooding and damage, and economic loss estimates were released by the U.S. Geological Survey.
On Thursday, at 10:44 a.m. local time, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake occurred near Petrolia, California. This event prompted a tsunami warning from southern Oregon to San Francisco Bay. The tremor, originating offshore near Humboldt County, was felt across a wide area. As the earthquake occurred along the San Andreas fault, authorities issued an urgent advisory for residents near the coast to evacuate to safer locations, moving inland away from the water’s edge and any potential tsunami hazard zones.
The tsunami warning, issued at 10:49 a.m., indicated that waves could reach the Fort Bragg area shortly after 11:10 a.m., subsequently affecting northern California and southern Oregon, including a predicted arrival in San Francisco at approximately 12:10 p.m. The National Tsunami Warning Center urged residents to heed warnings to “Move out of the water, off the beach, and away from harbors, marinas, breakwaters, bays and inlets,” to prevent danger from potential impacts of incoming waves and repeated coastal flooding as they recede.
Response lines at the Petrolia Fire District reported heavy call volume from individuals who felt the earthquake. Data provided by the U.S. Geological Survey indicated varying probabilities of economic loss due to this seismic activity, with significant financial implications estimated at over $1 million in potential damages. The magnitude scale, formally known as the moment magnitude scale, measures seismic strength by logarithmic increments, making a 5.0 quake ten times stronger than a 4.0 magnitude earthquake. According to the scale, quakes below 2.5 are generally not felt, while those above 8.0 can cause catastrophic damage to communities.
Earthquakes remain a significant risk in California, a region known for its complex tectonic infrastructure formed by various fault lines. The San Andreas fault, in particular, is infamous for producing large seismic events. The magnitude of an earthquake is gauged using the moment magnitude scale, which reflects its energy release and corresponds to potential damage. Monitoring such events and issuing timely warnings is crucial to ensure public safety and preparedness in coastal areas, particularly where tsunami risks are associated with strong underwater tremors.
In summary, the magnitude 7.0 earthquake that struck near Petrolia, California, on Thursday has resulted in a wide-ranging tsunami warning affecting multiple coastal regions. Authorities are actively urging residents in these areas to evacuate safely to mitigate risks. This incident underscores the importance of preparedness and response measures in regions prone to seismic activity, highlighting the extensive impacts that such natural events can impose on communities.
Original Source: www.usatoday.com
