A 3.7 magnitude earthquake that occurred off the coast of San Francisco on Friday morning serves as a crucial reminder for residents to remain vigilant and prepared for seismic activity. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the quake struck approximately three miles from the San Francisco Zoo, situated near the San Andreas Fault, at a depth of five miles.
Despite being relatively minor, the earthquake was felt across a wide area, including San Francisco, the Peninsula, and extended north to Marin County and south to San Jose. The San Francisco Fire Department reported no immediate damage or injuries. The initial tremor was followed by two aftershocks, registering magnitudes of 2.5 and 3.0, occurring shortly after the first quake.
Eyewitness accounts reflect the unexpectedness of the event. Max Gardiner, who was getting ready for the day, described feeling his kitchen items shake. Similarly, Robin Darrah, a night guard at the San Francisco Zoo, experienced a moment of disorientation before hearing his gate rattle and receiving radio confirmation of the earthquake.
USGS scientist Robert de Groot noted that seismic events of this nature are common in California, with the state experiencing around 50 earthquakes daily. Notably, the MyShake app did not issue early warnings for this quake, as it did not exceed the threshold for alerts. De Groot emphasized the importance of being prepared, urging residents to assemble an emergency kit and be ready for potential future earthquakes.
While this quake did not trigger a tsunami alert—unlike a previous incident in December—the USGS reminds citizens to adopt safety measures during an earthquake by dropping, covering, and holding on.
Preparing for earthquakes is an ongoing necessity in California, and this recent event underscores the importance of readiness in the face of such natural occurrences. As awareness of earthquake preparedness spreads, communities can become more resilient to the challenges posed by seismic activity.