Chaos in California, USA! A magnitude 7.0 earthquake has struck northern California.
A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck off the coast of Northern California on December 5, 2024, triggering a tsunami warning for coastal areas including San Francisco Bay. The warning was canceled less than an hour later.
Chaos in California, USA! 7.0 Magnitude Earthquake hit northern California, Tsunami warning#California #earthquake #TsunamiWarning pic.twitter.com/8F65iYoWlz
— City Weather (@ukcityweather) December 6, 2024
California earthquake details
The quake was recorded at 10:44 a.m. PDT about 60 miles (96 km) from Ferndale, California, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said. It was the strongest to hit the area since a magnitude 7.2 event in 2005.
The epicenter was located at a relatively shallow depth, which increased the perceived strength of the tremors. Tremors were reported in the Napa Valley and San Francisco area.
Tsunami Threat and Authorities’ Responses
The National Weather Service (NWS) quickly issued a tsunami warning for areas from Davenport, California, to south of Florence, Oregon. More than 4.6 million people were at risk.
The warning warned of significant coastal flooding. However, after careful monitoring, the tsunami threat was deemed minimal, and the warning was lifted at 10:59 a.m.
Tsunami Nature
A tsunami is not a typical wave you see on a beach. Geologist Pat Abbott of the University of San Diego explained that even a small tsunami wave carries a huge mass of water that can cause significant damage.
"A tsunami is not a single wave, but the leading edge of a massive body of water. Even knee-deep water can knock a person off their feet and carry them hundreds of feet, destroying everything in its path," Abbott said.
Safety and Aftermath
Some coastal areas, such as West Berkeley, have issued evacuation orders. Authorities have warned residents to leave areas near the shoreline.
"You are in danger. Leave coastal waters immediately," the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management said.
The Bay Area Rapid Transportation (BART) line, which connects San Francisco to Oakland, was temporarily closed. Service resumed less than an hour after the warning was lifted.
Aftershocks and Forecasts
USGS predicts that there is a greater than 99% chance of additional aftershocks of magnitude 3.0 or greater occurring within a week. Dozens of aftershocks have already been recorded, the strongest of which reached a magnitude of 4.7.
There is a small risk that aftershocks could exceed the main earthquake in strength, but this probability is extremely low.
Although the tsunami threat has been removed, the magnitude 7.0 earthquake reminded residents of California and Oregon of the importance of disaster preparedness.
Experts continue to monitor aftershocks, and local authorities urge citizens to be careful and follow emergency services instructions.
Chief forecaster and ideologist of the weather forecast service Pogodnik. Co-author of scientific articles and specialized content for various online media.
