Northern California experienced a significant seismic event on Thursday, highlighted by a powerful magnitude-7.0 earthquake that struck offshore at 10:44 a.m. PT. This quake prompted a tsunami warning along the coast from Santa Cruz to Oregon, although the warning was lifted shortly before noon PT when officials assessed that a destructive tsunami was not imminent.
In addition to the main earthquake, two other earthquakes were reported simultaneously: an initial magnitude-6.0 quake in Humboldt County, which was later revised down to 4.7, and a preliminary 5.8 quake in Cobb, Lake County, downgraded to a magnitude of 4.1.
The region experienced more than 72 aftershocks within hours following the initial quake. The epicenter of the strongest quake was near the Mendocino Triple Junction, known for being one of California’s most seismically active regions. In response, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, releasing state resources to assist the affected counties of Mendocino, Humboldt, and Del Norte.
Despite the initial fears surrounding the tsunami warning, Dave Snider, Tsunami Warning Coordinator for NOAA, reassured the public that a dangerous tsunami was not expected, citing the nature of earthquake-triggered tsunami alerts as challenging and time-sensitive.
Local communities are now in recovery mode, with businesses and residents assessing damage. In Redway, a local store faced water damage that forced its closure. Residents in Half Moon Bay expressed surprise and concern regarding the absence of sirens during the tsunami alert; however, the San Mateo County Department of Emergency Management explained that they relied on updated information indicating the threat was diminishing.
In Eureka, students and teachers practiced safety drills for such emergencies, which helped them remain composed during the intense experience. Teacher Nathalie Racanelli noted the event was terrifying but praised the calmness exhibited by her students during the evacuation.
Overall, while the earthquake caused significant concern, the lack of catastrophic outcomes and the swift emergency response reflect the resilience and preparedness of the communities in Northern California.
For the residents of Northern California, this incident serves as a reminder of the region’s earthquake risks and the importance of preparedness and community support in the face of natural disasters.