Berkeley-area quake rattles Bay Area ahead of ShakeOut Day

Berkeley-area quake rattles Bay Area ahead of ShakeOut Day

by

in

A 3.1-magnitude earthquake rattled the San Francisco Bay Area on Thursday morning, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (U.S.G.S.). This minor tremor struck at 9:23 a.m. Pacific time, just one hour prior to the commencement of International ShakeOut Day, an annual earthquake preparedness drill that encourages individuals globally to practice safety protocols during seismic events.

The earthquake’s epicenter was located about one mile east of Berkeley, California. Shake intensities were categorized as “weak” according to U.S.G.S., but the tremor may still have been felt beyond the immediate area. This event serves as a reminder of the region’s seismic activity, particularly on the eve of the anniversary of the devastating 6.9-magnitude Loma Prieta earthquake that struck on October 17, 1989, resulting in 63 fatalities and extensive damage across the Bay Area, including the collapse of a section of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.

Seismologists are continuing to analyze data from the quake, and updates on its magnitude and the shake-severity map may be forthcoming as more information becomes available. In addition, the region could experience aftershocks, which are often smaller quakes that follow the initial seismic activity and can potentially be as significant as the original quake.

California remains vigilant, with over 10 million participants expected to engage in emergency preparedness drills during the ShakeOut Day activities. These initiatives emphasize the importance of readiness in response to the region’s ongoing seismic threats and aim to ensure the safety of its residents. The occurrence of this minor quake reinforces the need for preparedness and awareness of earthquake safety practices among the local population.

Popular Categories


Search the website