A massive 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Northern California in Humboldt County, sending shockwaves throughout the region. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the epicenter was located off the coast of Petrolia, Humboldt County, triggering fears of a potential tsunami that led to a tsunami warning being issued for California and Oregon coastal regions, including the bustling city of San Francisco. However, just before noon local time, the National Tsunami Warning Center announced that the tsunami warning had been canceled, bringing a sense of relief to residents and tourists alike.
The USGS estimated that approximately 5.3 million Californians were at risk of experiencing the effects of the earthquake, with around 1.3 million individuals residing close enough to the epicenter to feel the tremors. Fortunately, the earthquake was classified as “primarily strike-slip,” meaning that the tectonic plates shifted horizontally rather than vertically, significantly reducing the risk of a tsunami.
The National Tsunami Warning Center reported that the warning spanned from Davenport, California, to Douglas/Lane Line, Oregon, and was issued at 10:44 a.m. local time. Following the initial 7.0 magnitude quake, a series of aftershocks rattled the region, with a 5.0 magnitude earthquake in Ferndale and a 4.2 magnitude quake near Petrolia being recorded by the USGS. The earthquake early warning system shake alarms were activated from Lincoln City, Oregon, to Salinas, California, with residents reporting a rolling sensation that lasted for several seconds.
Despite the earthquake’s strength, no immediate damage was reported, although the San Francisco Zoo took precautions by evacuating tourists and relocating animals and staff to higher ground following the tsunami warning. The earthquake also caused significant disruptions to public transportation, with the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system experiencing severe delays due to safety concerns around the undersea Transbay Tube.
In response to the earthquake, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, mobilizing resources to conduct damage assessments and provide assistance to affected communities. State Senator Mike McGuire shared on social media that 10,000 households were without electricity, and several homes had collapsed in the aftermath of the quake. Reports from Rio Dell Mayor Debra Garnes indicated road fractures and a gas leak at a local middle school, but fortunately, no injuries were reported.
As the aftershocks continued to reverberate through the region, experts from the USGS warned of the possibility of more seismic activity in the coming days and weeks. They advised residents to remain vigilant and prepared for potential aftershocks, with a 5% chance of a magnitude 6 or larger quake occurring in the next week and a 34% likelihood of a magnitude 5 quake.
The resilience of the communities affected by the earthquake was on full display as residents and officials worked together to ensure the safety and well-being of all those impacted by this natural disaster. The response to the earthquake highlighted the importance of preparedness and cooperation in the face of unexpected events, underscoring the strength and unity of the Northern California community in the wake of this seismic event.