Magnitude 7.0 Earthquake Hits Northern California, Tsunami Warning Issued
A 7.0 earthquake struck off Northern California on Thursday, prompting a tsunami warning affecting over 5 million people. The quake was felt widely, including in San Francisco, leading to suspended transit services in the area. Residents were urged to evacuate coastal regions due to potential tsunami risks.
On Thursday, a significant earthquake registering at a magnitude of 7.0 occurred off the Northern California coast, prompting immediate actions and warnings from authorities. The earthquake, which struck at 10:44 a.m. near Ferndale, Humboldt County, was widely felt across a vast area, even reaching as far south as San Francisco, where residents experienced a notable rolling motion for several seconds, followed by smaller aftershocks.
In response to the seismic activity, 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) reported that over 5.3 million people in California were placed under a tsunami warning due to the earthquake, which issued a yellow alert indicating a possibility of localized but minimal damage from potential tsunami waves.
Residents in proximity to the earthquake, estimated at over 1.3 million people, were cautioned to remain vigilant. Specifically, residents in the Santa Cruz area received alert notifications from the National Weather Service, instructing them to evacuate coastal waters immediately. Warnings included messages stating: “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 a common phenomenon in California due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates meet, causing tectonic activity. The state frequently experiences seismic events of varying magnitudes. The recent earthquake was a significant reminder of California’s vulnerability to such natural disasters and triggered an immediate tsunami warning—a necessary precaution given the potential impact of large earthquakes on coastal regions. Evacuation and safety protocols are crucial for minimizing risks in affected populations when such events transpire.
In summary, the 7.0 magnitude earthquake off the Northern California coast on Thursday raised safety alerts and led to the issuance of a tsunami warning affecting millions. Authorities acted swiftly, advising residents to evacuate coastal areas and move to higher ground. Monitoring aftershocks and heeding official directives remains essential for ensuring public safety in the aftermath of such seismic events.
Original Source: www.dailynews.com
