Northern California experienced a series of earthquakes on Thursday, the most significant being a magnitude 7.0 quake that occurred offshore at 10:44 a.m. PT, prompting a tsunami warning stretching from Santa Cruz to Oregon. Fortunately, the tsunami warning was lifted just before noon the same day.
In addition to the primary quake, two other earthquakes were reported: an initial 6.0 magnitude tremor in Humboldt County, later adjusted to a magnitude 4.7, and a 5.8 magnitude quake near Cobb, which was subsequently downgraded to 4.1.
After the major quake, at least 72 aftershocks were recorded, with many more anticipated. The epicenter was near the Mendocino Triple Junction, recognized as one of the most seismically active areas in California.
Governor Gavin Newsom addressed the situation in a midday briefing, announcing the issuance of a state emergency declaration to facilitate resources for Mendocino, Humboldt, and Del Norte counties. He assured that the government would take swift action to support the impacted regions.
Although the tsunami warning raised initial concerns, officials from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reassured the public that a destructive tsunami was unlikely. NOAA’s Tsunami Warning Coordinator emphasized the complex nature of issuing warnings, stating that maintaining public safety and assessment of potential danger is crucial.
In the aftermath of the quake, residents and businesses began recalling their experiences. Many reported damage and disruption, such as a Shop Smart store in Redway, which faced water damage that forced its temporary closure. Similarly, Half Moon Bay residents expressed surprise over the tsunami warning alerts received on their phones, noting that sirens did not sound in their area.
Despite the frightening experience, educators like Nathalie Racanelli from Eureka were thankful for prior safety drills, which helped students remain calm during the event.
The resilience demonstrated by communities in Northern California serves as a reminder of the region’s preparedness in the face of natural disasters, giving hope that ongoing awareness and training can mitigate the impacts of future seismic events.
In summary, while several significant earthquakes rattled Northern California on Thursday, the quick response from emergency services and the absence of a damaging tsunami highlight the effective communication and preparedness that can protect lives during such crises.