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A massive 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Northern California, specifically in Humboldt County. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the epicenter was located near Petrolia in Humboldt County. This powerful earthquake sent shockwaves through the region and prompted a tsunami warning for coastal areas in California and Oregon, including the city of San Francisco. However, just before noon local time, the National Tsunami Warning Center announced that the warning was being cancelled, stating that there was no longer any tsunami danger for the affected areas.
The USGS issued a yellow tsunami warning for 5.3 million residents of California, estimating that around 1.3 million people were within the vicinity to feel the tremors of the quake. Despite the massive size of the earthquake, the USGS stated that the risk of a tsunami was low due to the nature of the seismic activity. The earthquake was described as primarily strike-slip, meaning that the tectonic plates shifted horizontally rather than vertically, which reduced the risk of generating a tsunami.
Following the main 7.0 magnitude earthquake, several aftershocks were recorded in the region. A 5.0 magnitude aftershock was reported in Ferndale, followed by a 4.2 magnitude quake near Petrolia. These aftershocks added to the sense of unease and tension in the affected communities. Residents reported feeling a rolling sensation during the quake, with some areas experiencing alarms from the early warning system designed to alert people of impending seismic activity.
In the aftermath of the earthquake, the San Francisco Zoo evacuated tourists and relocated animals and staff to higher ground in response to the tsunami warning. The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system was severely delayed due to the quake, with trains avoiding the undersea Transbay Tube for safety reasons. As the situation unfolded, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, directing resources towards assessing the damage and providing assistance to affected communities.
Reports from various sources highlighted the impact of the earthquake on different areas. California State Senator Mike McGuire noted on social media that thousands of households were without electricity, and there were reports of collapsed homes. In Rio Dell, Mayor Debra Garnes reported road fractures and a gas leak at a local middle school, but thankfully, no injuries were recorded. Additionally, the city manager of Ferndale reported minimal roof damage, indicating that the structural impact of the quake varied across different locations.
In the midst of the chaos and uncertainty, residents of Santa Cruz received a National Weather Service tsunami warning urging them to seek higher ground and avoid coastal areas. The warning emphasized the potential danger of powerful waves and currents affecting beachfront areas. The USGS also issued a cautionary statement regarding the likelihood of aftershocks in the following days and weeks, advising residents to be prepared for ongoing seismic activity.
As the situation continued to evolve, it was evident that the earthquake had significant implications for the affected communities. With the possibility of further aftershocks and ongoing assessments of the damage, residents and officials alike were on high alert, taking precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in the region. The resilience and preparedness of these communities in the face of such a natural disaster were commendable, highlighting the importance of readiness and response in times of crisis.
