Magnitude 7.0 Earthquake Hits Northern California, Tsunami Warning Canceled
A 7.0 earthquake struck Humboldt County, Northern California. The tsunami warning, initially triggered, has been canceled. The quake caused tremors felt in San Francisco but no immediate damage reports. Precautionary evacuations occurred, and transportation delays were noted, impacting BART services.
A magnitude 7.0 earthquake has struck Humboldt County in Northern California, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Initially reported as a 6.6 magnitude event, the earthquake prompted a tsunami warning issued by the National Weather Service, which has since been canceled. Although the quake was felt in areas as distant as San Francisco, where residents experienced a rolling motion, there have been no immediate reports of significant damage.
Following the earthquake, the San Francisco Zoo took precautionary measures, evacuating guests and relocating animals and staff to higher ground. Additionally, the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system experienced major delays, particularly affecting underwater Transbay Tube services. An estimated 5.3 million Californians were affected by the tsunami warning, and over 1.3 million individuals were close enough to potentially feel the earthquake.
In coastal regions, such as Santa Cruz, residents received alerts urging them to move inland to avoid high surf and strong currents. The National Weather Service warned, “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.” Although this event is still developing, the situation appears stable at this time.
Earthquakes are a significant geological phenomenon in California due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area characterized by a high level of tectonic activity. The magnitude of an earthquake is measured on the Richter scale, with 7.0 being classified as major, capable of causing serious damage in populated areas. The recent earthquake in Northern California serves as a reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness, particularly in regions prone to seismic activity. Tsunami warnings are often triggered by underwater seismic events, underscoring the interconnectedness of geological forces and oceanic responses.
In summary, a 7.0-magnitude earthquake recently shook Northern California, prompting a temporary tsunami warning that has since been lifted. The quake was felt across a wide area, though no immediate damage has been reported. Evacuations and transportation delays highlight the ongoing need for preparedness as communities respond to natural disasters. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.
Original Source: abc7chicago.com
