A significant earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale struck off the northern coast of California early Thursday morning, leading to an unprecedented tsunami warning for both northern California and southern Oregon. The quake occurred at approximately 10:44 a.m., located roughly 45 miles southwest of Eureka, Calif., and around 100 miles south of the Oregon border. Extracted from a shallow depth of about 8 miles, the warning covered coastal areas extending from Brookings to Gold Beach, Bandon, Port Orford, and north of Reedsport in Oregon.
The National Tsunami Warning Center in Alaska released the tsunami warning, marking the first such alert since 2022, when a similar warning followed an earthquake in Tonga. According to Dave Snider, a coordinator at the center, tsunami waves measured approximately 3.5 inches at Arena Cove in California. While seemingly minor, even slight wave heights can result in substantial damage to coastal infrastructure.
Fortunately, there have been no reports of damage following the event. Local emergency officials swiftly took action, with Brookings police evacuating shore residents to higher ground. In a coordinated response, Curry County emergency manager Jeff Hughes instructed law enforcement and firefighters in Gold Beach to activate warning sirens and enforce immediate evacuations.
Hughes noted the importance of community preparedness, emphasizing that those who were attentive to warnings and subscribed to notification systems could safely evacuate. “It’s imperative for coastal residents to be prepared for such circumstances,” he stated.
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department responded by closing all state park beaches in light of the warning. Hydrologist Andy Bryant explained that typically, a tsunami can take between 45 minutes to an hour to develop following a quake, and waves often arrive in succession. He also highlighted that since the quake’s epicenter was off Eureka rather than directly on the Oregon coast, incoming waves would flow northward, which may mitigate potential impacts.
In Lane County, officials reassured residents that while direct effects in Florence were not anticipated, they encouraged caution and awareness, advising locals to seek higher ground if concerned. Public information officer Devon Ashbridge confirmed that notifications were sent out to over 22,000 contacts, promoting safety amid this close-call experience.
While the immediate danger dissipated, Ashbridge noted the situation serves as a crucial reminder for coastal communities to stay prepared for potential future events. “We’re incredibly grateful this did not escalate into a tsunami, yet it underscores the need for readiness,” she concluded.
This incident not only showcases the quick and effective response of local authorities but also highlights the importance of community awareness and preparedness in the face of natural disasters. With the right precautions, residents can turn potential threats into opportunities for increased safety and resilience.