Major 7.0 Earthquake Off Northern California Prompts Tsunami Alert

A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck off Northern California, prompting a tsunami warning affecting over 5 million people. The quake, felt in cities as distant as San Francisco, led to transportation disruptions and urgent alerts for coastal residents to evacuate to higher ground.

On Thursday at 10:44 a.m., a significant magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck off the Northern California coast, prompting a tsunami warning for the region. The tremor originated west of Ferndale in Humboldt County, near the Oregon border, and was reportedly felt as far south as San Francisco, where residents experienced a rolling motion lasting several seconds. Following the initial quake, smaller aftershocks were noted, warranting caution among the population.

In the aftermath of the seismic event, the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) suspended traffic in all directions through the underwater tunnel connecting San Francisco and Oakland. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) indicated that over 5.3 million residents in California were placed under a tsunami warning, characterized by a yellow alert suggesting that only localized but minimal damage is anticipated.

Approximately 1.3 million individuals resided in proximity to the epicenter of the earthquake and could have felt its effects. In the Santa Cruz region, residents received urgent alerts from the National Weather Service, cautioning, “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.” Immediate response measures were thus recommended to ensure public safety.

Earthquakes and tsunamis are frequent concerns in coastal California, where tectonic plate activity is prevalent due to the presence of the San Andreas Fault. A 7.0 magnitude quake is categorized as major and can cause serious damage, underscoring the importance of preparedness and response strategies in coastal communities. The National Weather Service and the U.S. Geological Survey routinely monitor seismic activity and issue warnings to protect residents in vulnerable areas.

In summary, the 7.0 earthquake that struck Northern California has led to significant safety measures, including the issuance of tsunami warnings affecting millions. The effective communication of risk from authorities such as the National Weather Service highlights the importance of preparedness in mitigating the impact of such natural disasters. Residents near coastal areas are advised to heed warnings and stay informed as situations develop.

Original Source: www.sgvtribune.com