On Thursday, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck near Humboldt, leading to power outages and a brief tsunami warning. Reports indicated structural damage and evacuations, although the tsunami warning was later cancelled. The U.S. Geological Survey identified the quake as a “strike-slip” event, reducing the risk of a tsunami. Approximately 10,000 customers experienced power outages, prompting a state of emergency declaration by Governor Gavin Newsom to provide necessary resources and assistance.
On Thursday, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Humboldt, prompting a brief tsunami warning and leading to considerable distress in the surrounding area. Lenya Quinn-Davidson, affiliated with the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, reported the evacuation of their office in Eureka due to their proximity to the tsunami zone. With electricity lost shortly after the quake, Quinn-Davidson expressed concern over the potential tsunami impact, stating, “Our power is out at our office, it kind of blinked during the earthquake and then immediately went out.”
Initial assessments noted damage primarily through social media, with accounts of shattered glass and dislodged objects, along with reports of homes detaching from their foundations in the Eel River Valley region, as stated by State Senator Mike McGuire. Approximately 10,000 customers faced power outages across Humboldt County, prompting the state to allocate immediate aid.
Although a tsunami warning was issued from Davenport, California, to the Oregon border, it was revoked shortly before noon. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake was classified as a “strike-slip” event, characterized by horizontal tectonic plate movement, which typically does not generate tsunamis. Such significant earthquakes are infrequent in California, with only nine occurrences of magnitude 7.0 or above since 1900.
An early warning was disseminated by the USGS, albeit the extent of public awareness prior to the earthquake remains uncertain. Several aftershocks followed the main quake, including a notable 4.2 magnitude tremor near Petrolia, with a total of at least 14 aftershocks documented offshore, including a 5.0 magnitude event around noon. Governor Gavin Newsom is presently in discussions with state emergency officials regarding the situation. He announced a declared state of emergency to facilitate resource allocation, including National Guard deployment if necessary. During a news conference, he noted the particular concern for damage in Del Norte, Mendocino, and Humboldt counties.
Earthquakes pose a significant threat in California, a state situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic activity is prevalent. The recent 7.0 magnitude earthquake is a reminder of the potential for major seismic events that could disrupt lives and infrastructure, especially in coastal regions prone to tsunami risks. Although large earthquakes are relatively rare, the emergency response systems are crucial for public safety and disaster management. This incident underlines the necessity for preparedness in earthquake-prone areas, particularly given the inherent unpredictability of such natural disasters. Authorities often employ advanced warning systems, and the region’s historical seismic data underlines the importance of being equipped for such events to minimize damage and protect community well-being.
In conclusion, the 7.0 magnitude earthquake near Humboldt serves as a critical reminder of the natural hazards facing California’s coastal communities. The prompt response from local officials and the evacuation of vulnerable areas highlight the importance of emergency preparedness in ensuring public safety. With subsequent aftershocks and statewide emergency declarations, ongoing assessments will continue to gauge the impact and aid recovery efforts in the affected regions. It remains essential for residents to remain vigilant and informed regarding disaster preparedness measures.
Original Source: laist.com
