7.0 Earthquake Jolts Northern California, Brief Tsunami Warning Issued

Northern California experienced its most powerful earthquake since 2019 on Thursday, as a 7.0 magnitude quake struck near Ferndale in Humboldt County. The temblor rattled a region known as “earthquake country,” where three tectonic plates converge, prompting a tsunami warning that spanned 500 miles of the U.S. West Coast. The alert, later lifted after no major waves arrived, sent residents scrambling for higher ground.

The quake, felt as far as San Francisco, caused minor damage, including toppled store items, cracked foundations, and swaying lights. Schools evacuated students, and businesses braced for holiday disruptions. Despite the intensity, no major injuries were reported.

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency to mobilize resources, and President Biden was briefed on the situation. Experts noted the quake’s strike-slip motion, which is less likely to generate tsunamis compared to vertical shifts.

Local officials and residents, accustomed to seismic activity in the region, described the quake as a “slow roller” but significant. The event highlighted the region’s vulnerability and readiness in the face of frequent tectonic movements.

Source: AP News