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Following reports of a 7.0 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Northern California in Humboldt County, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) has been closely monitoring the situation. The epicenter of the earthquake was located off the coast of Petrolia in Humboldt County. This seismic event occurred just before noon local time, leading to the issuance of a tsunami warning for coastal regions of California and Oregon, including areas such as San Francisco.
Fortunately, the National Tsunami Warning Center quickly announced the cancellation of the tsunami warning for California and Oregon coastal areas. They declared that there was no longer any imminent danger of a tsunami in the region. The USGS had initially issued a yellow tsunami warning for 5.3 million Californians, but later downgraded the potential risk to isolated and minimal harm.
Approximately 1.3 million people were estimated to have felt the effects of the earthquake, with reports indicating that the tremors were felt across a wide area. The USGS confirmed that the earthquake was primarily a strike-slip event, meaning that the tectonic plates shifted horizontally rather than vertically. This type of movement reduced the risk of a significant tsunami occurring as a result of the earthquake.
The National Tsunami Warning Center reported that the warning extended from Davenport, California, to Douglas/Lane Line, Oregon. The warning was issued at 10:44 a.m. local time, alerting residents to the potential threat of a tsunami in the aftermath of the earthquake. Subsequent seismic activity included a 5.0 magnitude earthquake in Ferndale and a 4.2 magnitude quake near Petrolia, further contributing to the seismic activity in the region.
Caroline Titus, former publisher of The Ferndale Enterprise in Ferndale, shared her experience of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Northern California. Reports indicated that early warning systems were activated in various locations, alerting residents to the impending earthquake. The USGS is currently investigating the effectiveness of these systems and how much warning individuals received prior to the earthquake.
Despite the significant seismic activity, initial reports indicated that there was no immediate damage reported in the aftermath of the earthquake. However, citizens of San Francisco reported feeling prolonged shaking during the earthquake, with aftershocks continuing to be felt throughout the region. The San Francisco Zoo took precautionary measures by evacuating tourists and relocating animals and staff to higher ground following the issuance of the tsunami warning.
In response to the earthquake, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, allowing for damage assessments to be conducted promptly. California State Senator Mike McGuire noted on social media that thousands of households were left without electricity, and several homes suffered structural damage. In Rio Dell, Mayor Debra Garnes reported road fractures and a gas leak at a local middle school, although no injuries were reported as a result of the earthquake.
The city manager of Ferndale reported minimal roof damage, while in Santa Cruz, residents were warned of potential powerful waves and currents that could impact coastal areas. The USGS has warned of a 5% possibility of a magnitude 6 or larger aftershock in the upcoming week, as well as a 34% likelihood of a magnitude 5 quake. Experts suggest that residents should be prepared for aftershocks in the coming days and weeks to ensure their safety in the aftermath of the earthquake.
