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A powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Northern California, specifically in Humboldt County, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). The epicenter of the earthquake is located near Petrolia in Humboldt County. The quake occurred just before noon local time, sending shockwaves through the region and triggering a tsunami warning for the California and Oregon coastal areas, including San Francisco.
Fortunately, the National Tsunami Warning Center quickly canceled the tsunami warning, stating that there was no imminent danger of a tsunami for the coastal regions of California and Oregon. The USGS had initially issued a yellow tsunami warning for approximately 5.3 million Californians, but it was later determined that the risk of a tsunami was minimal due to the nature of the earthquake.
The USGS estimates that around 1.3 million people live in close proximity to the earthquake’s epicenter, making them likely to have felt the tremors. The earthquake was classified as “primarily strike-slip,” which means that the tectonic plates shifted horizontally rather than vertically, reducing the risk of a tsunami being generated.
Following the main earthquake, several aftershocks were reported in the region, including a 5.0 magnitude tremor in Ferndale and a 4.2 magnitude quake near Petrolia. The USGS also recorded 35 aftershocks in Northern California in the hours following the initial earthquake, the largest of which was a 5.0 magnitude tremor.
Businesses and residents in the affected areas felt the impact of the earthquake, with reports of minor damage to structures and infrastructure. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in response to the earthquake, allowing for expedited assessments of the damage and allocation of resources to affected areas.
California State Senator Mike McGuire took to social media to report that power outages have affected 10,000 households, and several homes have collapsed as a result of the earthquake. Additionally, there have been reports of road fractures, gas leaks, and other infrastructure damage in various communities throughout Northern California.
In Santa Cruz, residents received warnings from the National Weather Service about the potential for powerful waves and currents hitting coastal areas. The warnings advised residents to seek higher ground and avoid coastal areas until authorities deemed it safe to return.
Looking ahead, the USGS experts have warned of the possibility of aftershocks in the coming days and weeks, with a 5% chance of a magnitude 6 or larger aftershock and a 34% chance of a magnitude 5 quake occurring. Residents are urged to remain prepared and vigilant in the aftermath of the earthquake, taking necessary precautions to ensure their safety and well-being.
