On Friday morning, a 3.7 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of San Francisco, near the San Andreas Fault, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The quake, which occurred around three miles from the San Francisco Zoo and at a depth of five miles, prompted local experts to remind residents of the importance of earthquake preparedness.
Despite the quake’s relatively low intensity, it was felt across a wide area, including San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin County, and even as far south as San Jose. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.
Witnesses have shared their experiences of the tremor. Max Gardiner, who was in his kitchen at the time, described how the kitchen items began to shake, while Robin Darrah, an overnight guard at the San Francisco Zoo, reported feeling a sudden wobbliness in his legs along with rattling sounds from the gates.
Following the initial tremor, two aftershocks were recorded: a 2.5 magnitude at 9:39 a.m. and a 3.0 magnitude at 10:48 a.m., both occurring in the same area. Notably, alerts via the MyShake app were not issued, as the earthquake’s magnitude did not meet the threshold for warning notifications.
Robert de Groot, a USGS scientist, emphasized that although this earthquake was small, it serves as a vital reminder for residents to remain prepared for seismic activity. He pointed out that California experiences around 50 earthquakes daily, underscoring the need for everyone to have an emergency kit ready. While this event did not trigger a tsunami alert—a stark contrast to the one issued in December—the importance of preparation remains crucial.
Experts continue to encourage residents to drop, cover, and hold on should they feel an earthquake in the future. This incident reiterates the unpredictability of seismic activity in California and the imperative for vigilance and readiness.
In summary, while the recent earthquake may have been small, it offers a crucial reminder for all Californians about the importance of earthquake preparedness and safety. Staying informed and ready can make a significant difference when faced with natural occurrences.