Tsunami Warning Lifted After 7.0 Magnitude Earthquake in Northern California
Tsunami Warning Lifted After 7.0 Magnitude Earthquake in Northern California7.0 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes California
– A strong 7.0-magnitude earthquake hit Northern California on Thursday at 10:44 a.m., near Ferndale in Humboldt County.– The quake triggered a tsunami warning for over 5.3 million people, covering 500 miles of coastline from Monterey Bay to Oregon.
Residents React to the Earthquake
– Julie Kreitzer, owner of Golden Gait Mercantile in Ferndale:“Our building shook. We lost a lot of stuff. It’s worse than two years ago.”
– Children in Eureka schools huddled under desks, many asking to contact their parents.
Evacuations and Closures
– San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART): Service halted in all directions through the underwater tunnel.– San Francisco Zoo: Visitors evacuated, animals secured, and staff moved to higher ground.– Local authorities urged residents to move inland or to higher ground.
No Major Damage Reported
– Preliminary assessments show no significant damage or injuries despite minor disruptions and aftershocks.– Mayor Kim Bergel of Eureka: “Crews are still assessing damage, but so far, it seems manageable.”
Tsunami Warning Lifted
– The National Weather Service canceled the tsunami warning hours later, assuring no significant threat to coastal areas.
Widespread Shaking Felt Across California
– The earthquake was felt as far south as San Francisco, where residents reported a rolling motion lasting several seconds.– Smaller aftershocks followed the main quake, creating unease among residents.
Emergency Alerts and Preparedness
– Phones across Northern California buzzed with tsunami warnings:"Move to higher ground or inland now. Avoid coastal waters."
– The alert was canceled later, but residents were reminded of the importance of earthquake preparedness.