A 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Northern California on Thursday morning, sending shockwaves across the region and triggering a tsunami warning. The quake, centred near Scotia in Humboldt County, occurred at 10:44 a.m. local time and was felt as far south as the Bay Area. While the tsunami warning was cancelled within an hour, the incident has renewed concerns about seismic risks in the state.
Tsunami Warning Issued, Then Cancelled
The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami alert shortly after the earthquake. Coastal residents from Davenport, California, to the Oregon border were advised to evacuate to higher ground. Emergency sirens blared, and many coastal towns prepared for a potential disaster.
However, subsequent analysis revealed the earthquake’s nature—a lateral slip along the Mendocino Fault Zone—minimised the likelihood of a tsunami. Geophysics lecturer Ross Stein explained, “The fault’s horizontal motion prevents significant vertical displacement of the seafloor, which is necessary for generating tsunamis.”
Despite the quick cancellation, emergency responders stood by their decision to issue the warning. Justin Schorr of the San Francisco Fire Department stated, “This was not a false alarm; the threat was real. Acting cautiously was essential to public safety.”
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Damage and Power Disruptions in Humboldt County
The quake caused minor damage in Humboldt County, the closest land area to the epicentre. Towns like Ferndale and Petrolia reported fallen trees, damaged power lines, and structural disruptions. Many shelves in homes and stores were emptied due to the strong shaking.
Approximately 10,000 residents in the county lost power, with utility crews dispatched to restore electricity. Michelle Bushnell, Humboldt County District 2 Supervisor, confirmed that no injuries or fatalities were reported. However, she noted some homes were dislodged from their foundations, and broken water mains added to the disruption.
Evacuations and Public Transport Impacts
The tsunami warning triggered swift evacuation efforts in coastal areas. Residents in cities like San Francisco, Berkeley, and other coastal towns moved to higher ground as a precaution. Businesses closed temporarily, and public transport systems, including Muni and BART, were disrupted.
Authorities praised the effectiveness of the USGS ShakeAlert System, which successfully sent earthquake notifications to smartphones, providing up to one second of advance warning near the epicentre. This brief warning allowed residents and businesses to take quick protective measures.
Seismic Activity and Aftershock Concerns
Seismologists have warned of potential aftershocks near the earthquake zone, with magnitudes expected to remain below 7.0. The quake occurred near the Mendocino Triple Junction, a volatile region where three tectonic plates meet, making it one of the most seismically active areas in the United States.
Christine Goulet, director of the USGS Earthquake Science Centre, described the earthquake as unusually shallow, originating less than a mile beneath the Earth’s surface. “Shallow earthquakes often produce stronger shaking at the surface, which explains the widespread impact of this event,” Goulet said.
She added that the likelihood of a larger earthquake in the coming week remains low, but not impossible. “There’s about a 5% chance of a quake greater than magnitude 6.0 occurring in this region within the next seven days,” Goulet explained.
Governor Declares State of Emergency
In response to the earthquake, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for the affected areas. This declaration enables the state to allocate resources more efficiently and support recovery efforts in Humboldt County and other impacted regions.
Governor Newsom stressed the importance of earthquake preparedness. “This earthquake reminds us of the state we live in and the need for readiness,” he said. “We must remain vigilant and ensure our communities are equipped to handle seismic events.”
California’s Ongoing Seismic Risks
California’s vulnerability to earthquakes remains a major concern, particularly in areas like the Mendocino Fault Zone and the San Andreas Fault. These regions are prone to high-magnitude quakes due to the tectonic activity in the state.
The strike-slip motion of the Mendocino Fault Zone, where tectonic plates slide past each other, is less likely to generate tsunamis compared to subduction zones. However, the earthquake caused significant shaking, serving as a stark reminder of the risks Californians face.
Preparedness and Future Measures
The brief tsunami warning highlighted the importance of emergency preparedness. While no major damage occurred, experts emphasised the need for continued investment in warning systems and disaster response infrastructure.
Residents in California are encouraged to review their earthquake preparedness plans, including securing heavy furniture, preparing emergency kits, and participating in community drills. Experts also stress the importance of education about seismic activity and tsunami risks, particularly for those living near coastal areas.
A Wake-Up Call for Coastal Communities
Although the tsunami warning was short-lived, Thursday’s earthquake served as a wake-up call for Northern California’s residents and authorities. The event underscored the importance of acting swiftly in the face of seismic threats, even when the risk is uncertain.
As California continues to face the challenges of living in a seismically active region, the earthquake highlighted the importance of resilience, preparedness, and community cooperation in the face of natural disasters.
