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On Thursday morning, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7 struck off the northern California coast, prompting an unusual tsunami warning for northern California and southern Oregon. The National Tsunami Warning Center in Alaska issued the alarm shortly after the quake occurred at approximately 10:44 a.m., situated about 45 miles southwest of Eureka, California, approximately 100 miles south of the Oregon border. Officials noted that the earthquake was shallow, occurring at a depth of around 8 miles, and that areas along the coast in both states were at risk. In Oregon, the warning encompassed locations from Brookings and Gold Beach to Bandon, Port Orford, and north of Reedsport.
This warning was particularly notable as it marked the first of its kind since 2022, which followed a quake in Tonga. Although tsunami waves measured approximately 3.5 inches around Arena Cove in California, Dave Snider from the warning center acknowledged the potential danger as even slightly higher waves can inflict serious damage to harbors.
Fortunately, there have been no reports of damage due to the quake. Local emergency managers and law enforcement played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of residents in tsunami zones by guiding them to higher ground. Response teams in Brookings were quick to evacuate residents close to the shore, while in Curry County, emergency manager Jeff Hughes directed the activation of warning sirens and a swift evacuation order. Although time constraints prevented physical evacuations, those who received the alerts and acted promptly moved to safer locations.
Due to the warning, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department shut down all state park beaches. Hydrologist Andy Bryant indicated that it generally takes 45 minutes to an hour for a tsunami to form after an earthquake, with the waves usually arriving in succession. The quake’s location off Eureka suggested that waves would predominantly travel northward along the coast, likely reducing the direct impact.
Even in Lane County, officials sent notifications to coastal residents advising them to seek higher ground if they had concerns, with particular attention to those living near Florence. This notification reached over 22,000 contacts, albeit some duplicates, ensuring the community was informed and prepared for potential risks.
While the threat may have subsided without a tsunami occurring, the incident serves as a critical reminder for coastal residents to remain vigilant and prepared for similar emergencies in the future.
With extensive cooperation and quick action from local authorities, this event highlights the importance of community readiness in the face of natural disasters. As citizens review their preparedness plans, it fosters hope for improved resilience in future situations.