A series of earthquakes jolted Northern California on Thursday, including a significant 7.0 magnitude quake that struck offshore at 10:44 a.m. PT. This tremor prompted a tsunami warning covering coastal regions from Santa Cruz to Oregon, although the warning was lifted just before noon PT.
In addition to the main earthquake, two other tremors were reported: one initially measured at 6.0 in Humboldt County was later revised to a 4.7 magnitude, and another in Cobb, Lake County, dropped from a preliminary 5.8 to a 4.1 magnitude.
The 7.0 magnitude earthquake originated near the Mendocino Triple Junction, a hot spot for seismic activity. Following this quake, at least 72 aftershocks were recorded, with expectations of more to come. Governor Gavin Newsom announced a state emergency declaration to facilitate support for areas like Mendocino, Humboldt, and Del Norte counties that were impacted by the quake.
Despite the tsunami warning, experts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) later confirmed that a damaging tsunami was not expected for the West Coast. Tsunami Warning Coordinator Dave Snider explained that the decision to issue the warning was based on the earthquake’s strength and location, but further analysis indicated that no destructive waves would occur.
People and businesses in Northern California began evaluating the aftermath of the earthquake more than 12 hours later. In Redway, a Shop Smart experienced flooding due to the quake, forcing the store to shut its doors. In Half Moon Bay, residents expressed surprise when they received tsunami warnings on their phones, but no coastal sirens sounded. San Mateo County Emergency Management clarified that sirens were not activated as new information indicated a diminishing threat.
In Eureka, a local teacher shared how her students were able to remain calm during the terrifying quake, as they had previously practiced safety drills. She described it as the most intense tremor experienced lately, highlighting the importance of preparedness.
This recent seismic activity serves as a reminder of California’s geological reality. However, the absence of a tsunami and the effective communication from local authorities reflect the preparedness and resilience of the community in facing such natural events. As residents continue to recover, this incident embodies the strength and unity of Northern California in the face of adversity.
The community’s ability to respond to and recover from this seismic event is a testament to its preparedness and strength, providing hope for continued resilience in the future.