A 7.0 magnitude earthquake occurred off Northern California, resulting in tsunami warnings for over 5 million residents. The quake was felt widely, including in San Francisco, prompting public safety advisories. Authorities halted transit operations to ensure safety during the ongoing emergency response.
A significant earthquake measuring 7.0 struck off the Northern California coast on Thursday, prompting immediate tsunami warnings by authorities. The tremor occurred at 10:44 a.m., situated west of Ferndale, a small community in Humboldt County, near the border with Oregon, as per the U.S. Geological Survey. Residents in various locations, including as far south as San Francisco, reported sensations of rolling motions lasting for several seconds, accompanied by subsequent aftershocks.
The Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) ceased operations in all directions through its underwater tunnel linking San Francisco and Oakland. Approximately 5.3 million individuals in California found themselves under a tsunami warning, with the USGS issuing a yellow alert that suggested the potential for local but minimal damage. In total, it is estimated that over 1.3 million individuals were close enough to the epicenter to perceive the earthquake’s effects.
In addition, alerts were disseminated via mobile devices in the Santa Cruz area, where the National Weather Service highlighted the urgency of the situation, advising residents that 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.”
The recent earthquake underscores California’s vulnerability to seismic activity, given its position along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region characterized by high seismic activity. Earthquakes of this magnitude not only pose immediate threats to physical infrastructure but also to public safety due to resultant phenomena such as tsunamis. Awareness and responsiveness to emergency alerts, such as tsunami warnings, are crucial for the safety of the affected communities. The Bay Area, with its extensive urban infrastructure, stands as a significant area of concern during such events, necessitating rapid operational responses from public transit agencies like BART.
In conclusion, the recent 7.0 magnitude earthquake off Northern California highlights the ongoing seismic risks faced by the region. The swift issuance of tsunami warnings and the immediate cessation of operations by transit authorities showcase the critical response measures required during such emergencies. Residents have been advised to remain vigilant and heed official warnings to ensure their safety as authorities continue to monitor the situation.
Original Source: www.dailynews.com
