In a startling event on Wednesday, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake rattled the northern California coast, as reported by the US Geological Survey. The tremor's epicenter was near Ferndale, approximately 260 miles north of San Francisco, affecting nearly 4.7 million residents in both northern California and southern Oregon. Although a tsunami warning was initially issued, it was swiftly rescinded without significant repercussions.
Local officials reported no fatalities or major structural destruction in the aftermath. The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office confirmed minor damage in some homes, with numerous reports of items dislodging and temporary power outages affecting over 10,000 customers in the area.
Innkeeper Olivia Cobian shared her experience from the Gingerbread Mansion Inn, stating that the inn was transformed into a chaotic scene with furniture and fixtures askew. “It looks like a warzone,” she emphasized, highlighting the force of the quake's aftermath. Residents described sensations akin to being on a "giant waterbed," while the noise of rattling glass and falling objects amplified the tension during the shaking.
In reaction to the potential tsunami, several areas, including Berkeley, issued urgent evacuation alerts, warning people in the tsunami zone to move to higher ground immediately. Eyewitness Kayla Aihara recounted how hotel staff rapidly evacuated guests away from the shoreline while they awaited updates.
California Governor Gavin Newsom convened with emergency officials following the earthquake, subsequently declaring a state of emergency to mobilize response resources. In a statement, he reflected on the incident as a sobering reminder of California's vulnerability to seismic activity.
Standing between major tectonic plates, California is often susceptible to earthquakes, although a magnitude 7 quake in this region is relatively rare. With only nine such incidents occurring globally this year, experts emphasize the importance of preparedness for these natural disasters.
Residents along California's coast are urged to familiarize themselves with tsunami evacuation routes and maintain an emergency kit for prompt evacuation in case of future geological events. A notable takeaway from this quake is the swift response in communicating the risks and mobilizing the public effectively.
Local officials reported no fatalities or major structural destruction in the aftermath. The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office confirmed minor damage in some homes, with numerous reports of items dislodging and temporary power outages affecting over 10,000 customers in the area.
Innkeeper Olivia Cobian shared her experience from the Gingerbread Mansion Inn, stating that the inn was transformed into a chaotic scene with furniture and fixtures askew. “It looks like a warzone,” she emphasized, highlighting the force of the quake's aftermath. Residents described sensations akin to being on a "giant waterbed," while the noise of rattling glass and falling objects amplified the tension during the shaking.
In reaction to the potential tsunami, several areas, including Berkeley, issued urgent evacuation alerts, warning people in the tsunami zone to move to higher ground immediately. Eyewitness Kayla Aihara recounted how hotel staff rapidly evacuated guests away from the shoreline while they awaited updates.
California Governor Gavin Newsom convened with emergency officials following the earthquake, subsequently declaring a state of emergency to mobilize response resources. In a statement, he reflected on the incident as a sobering reminder of California's vulnerability to seismic activity.
Standing between major tectonic plates, California is often susceptible to earthquakes, although a magnitude 7 quake in this region is relatively rare. With only nine such incidents occurring globally this year, experts emphasize the importance of preparedness for these natural disasters.
Residents along California's coast are urged to familiarize themselves with tsunami evacuation routes and maintain an emergency kit for prompt evacuation in case of future geological events. A notable takeaway from this quake is the swift response in communicating the risks and mobilizing the public effectively.
