An earthquake measuring 7 on the Richter scale struck off the northern coast of California on Thursday morning, prompting a tsunami warning in both northern California and southern Oregon. The quake occurred at 10:44 a.m., approximately 45 miles southwest of Eureka and around 100 miles south of the Oregon border. With a shallow depth of about 8 miles, the National Tsunami Warning Center issued alerts affecting areas in both states, including along the Oregon coast from Brookings to north of Reedsport.
This tsunami warning, which lasted about 90 minutes, marked the first such alert since 2022 when a similar event was triggered by an earthquake in Tonga. Following the quake, modest tsunami waves were recorded at around 3.5 inches in Arena Cove, California, although even small waves can cause notable damage, especially in harbor areas.
Emergency responders quickly mobilized to ensure safety. In Brookings, law enforcement immediately initiated evacuations for residents near the shore, while in Gold Beach, emergency manager Jeff Hughes instructed local police and firefighters to activate warning sirens and demand evacuations. While no physical removals of residents were executed due to time constraints, Hughes noted the importance of being prepared for such emergencies, emphasizing the need for residents to subscribe to notification systems.
In response to the alert, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department closed all state park beaches to enhance safety measures. Emergency management officials highlighted that tsunami waves typically arrive in series, and the geographic orientation of the quake might lessen potential impacts.
In light of the warning, Lane County reached out to residents in coastal areas, advising them to seek higher ground if they felt concerned, even though Florence was not expected to face immediate danger.
While this incident passed without major consequences, the situation serves as a crucial reminder for coastal residents to remain vigilant and prepared for potential emergencies. Public information officers acknowledged the importance of having these systems in place, as they can effectively enhance community safety during unpredictable events.
Overall, the successful response to the earthquake and tsunami warning reflects strong emergency preparedness and a cooperative effort among local agencies, serving as a hopeful sign for the community in managing future natural disasters.