A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the Northern California coast on Thursday, prompting a tsunami warning affecting over 5 million residents. Felt in areas as far south as San Francisco, the quake led to operational suspensions in regional transit and urgent alerts from the National Weather Service for coastal safety.
On Thursday, a significant earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale impacted Northern California, prompting local authorities to issue a tsunami warning. The earthquake occurred at 10:44 a.m. near Ferndale, a small coastal city in Humboldt County, close to the Oregon border, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). This seismic event was perceptible as far south as San Francisco, where residents experienced a prolonged rolling sensation, alongside subsequent aftershocks.
Due to the quake, the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) suspended operations across the underwater connections between San Francisco and Oakland. Approximately 5.3 million individuals throughout California found themselves under a tsunami warning as informed by the USGS, which classified the situation as a yellow alert, indicating a prediction of localized yet minimal damage. Furthermore, more than 1.3 million residents lived in proximity to the earthquake’s epicenter, enhancing the likelihood of them feeling its effects.
Residents in the Santa Cruz region received urgent notifications from the National Weather Service, advising them of potential threats posed by powerful waves and strong currents. The advisory 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 common occurrences along the California coast due to the state’s positioning along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region characterized by high seismic activity. This latest 7.0 magnitude earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the potential natural disasters faced by Californians. Tsunami warnings are often issued following significant seismic events, especially when they occur near coastal areas, as the threat to populated coastal zones can be severe. Public alert systems, such as alerts from the National Weather Service, play a crucial role in informing and guiding residents’ safety measures during such emergencies.
In summary, the 7.0 magnitude earthquake off the Northern California coast has elicited widespread concern and led to a tsunami warning affecting millions. The responsive actions taken by local authorities, including the suspension of BART services and urgent safety notifications from the National Weather Service, reflect proactive measures to safeguard the community against potential tsunami threats. Residents are encouraged to heed official warnings and move to higher ground.
Original Source: www.ocregister.com
