A powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of northern California, sending shockwaves through the region. The earthquake occurred at approximately 10:44 AM local time and was centred near Ferndale, a small town in Humboldt County, around 260 miles (418 km) north of San Francisco. The tremor caused widespread concern, triggering a tsunami warning that affected about 4.7 million people along the coasts of northern California and southern Oregon. However, the tsunami warning was quickly cancelled after further evaluation, sparing the region from significant flooding.
The earthquake was one of only nine 7.0 magnitude earthquakes to strike globally in 2024, marking it as a rare and powerful event. Despite its strength, the tremor did not result in catastrophic damage or fatalities, although local authorities reported minor damage to buildings and infrastructure. Humboldt County’s Sheriff’s Office confirmed no significant casualties or structural collapse, although several homes experienced light damage, such as cracked walls and fallen objects. Power outages were widespread, with over 10,000 people losing electricity across Humboldt County, according to data from poweroutage.us.
In Ferndale, the Gingerbread Mansion Inn experienced significant disruption. Olivia Cobian, the innkeeper, described the damage as “looking like a warzone,” with heavy cast iron fireplaces moved out of place and items scattered throughout the building. Despite this, the community remained resilient. Residents and business owners across the area echoed the chaotic scene. Todd Dunaway, who was eating lunch at his home in Fortuna, described the earthquake as feeling like “standing on a giant waterbed.” The noise of rattling windows, creaking walls, and falling dishes added to the sense of alarm. He and his wife nervously waited 15 minutes after the shaking stopped, fearing aftershocks or further seismic activity.
Despite the lack of widespread destruction, the impact on daily life was significant. In some areas, stores reported items flying off shelves, and people rushed to secure their homes. The earthquake’s tremors were felt across a wide area, with several aftershocks following the initial event. Emergency response teams were mobilised to assess the damage, but authorities reassured the public that the situation was manageable compared to previous disasters. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office also reported that some roads had been temporarily blocked due to minor landslides but no major transportation disruptions.
Several coastal communities issued evacuation orders in response to the potential threat of a tsunami. The city of Berkeley, located in northern California, urged residents in the tsunami zone to evacuate immediately, with authorities warning that they were in “IMMEDIATE DANGER.” People in the affected areas rushed to higher ground, as many coastal communities have designated evacuation routes leading away from low-lying areas. Kayla Aihara, a visitor staying at a hotel in Half Moon Bay, described the tense moments following the initial alerts. “They told us to go to higher ground out of fear of the tsunami,” she said. “We saw people gathered near the shoreline, watching the waves and waiting to see if anything happened.”
As the tsunami warning was rescinded, Governor Gavin Newsom reassured residents that the immediate danger had passed. The Governor, who was in the process of attending an event at the US-Mexico border, was briefed on the situation and signed a state of emergency declaration. This measure would help mobilise state resources and facilitate the response to the aftermath of the earthquake. Governor Newsom reminded Californians of the ongoing seismic risks, noting that earthquakes are an inherent part of life in the state, which sits at the junction of several tectonic plates.
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“Today’s event is a reminder of the state that we live in and the state of mind we need to bring to our day-to-day reality here in California,” Newsom said during his remarks.
In addition to the immediate earthquake response, California’s emergency services swiftly guided tsunami safety. Authorities reminded residents of the importance of knowing evacuation routes and preparing for a tsunami, especially following a strong earthquake. The state’s emergency website notes that a tsunami can arrive in as little as 5 to 10 minutes after a large earthquake. In such cases, the first wave may not be the largest, and residents are advised to immediately move to higher ground if they see water receding from the shoreline.
Although the tsunami threat has subsided, aftershocks continue to be a concern. Authorities remain on high alert and continue to monitor the situation in northern California and southern Oregon. The US Geological Survey highlighted that earthquakes are rare in the region, typically only 10 to 15 earthquakes of this magnitude occurring worldwide each year. Residents must stay vigilant and prepared as the area recovers from this seismic event.
California’s experience with earthquakes is long and storied, with significant earthquakes like the 1994 Northridge earthquake causing widespread destruction and loss of life. Though this recent earthquake did not lead to catastrophic damage, it serves as a reminder of the potential for more significant seismic events, reinforcing the importance of emergency preparedness and community resilience.
