A powerful earthquake registering 7 on the Richter scale struck off the northern California coast Thursday morning, prompting a rare tsunami warning for both northern California and southern Oregon. The quake occurred at approximately 10:44 a.m., roughly 45 miles southwest of Eureka, California, which is situated about 100 miles south of the Oregon border. Due to the shallow depth of the earthquake, measured at around 8 miles, the tsunami warning included coastal areas in Oregon, covering regions from Brookings and Gold Beach to Bandon, Port Orford, and north of Reedsport.
The National Tsunami Warning Center, located in Alaska, issued the alert shortly after the quake—a warning that lasted for about 90 minutes and marked the first of its kind since a similar alert in 2022 following an earthquake in Tonga. According to Dave Snider, a coordinator at the center, initial tsunami wave measurements were around 3.5 inches high near Arena Cove in California. While seemingly small, he noted that even this height could potentially cause significant damage in harbors.
Fortunately, no reports of damage had surfaced following the earthquake. Local emergency management and law enforcement played a crucial role in ensuring public safety. In Brookings, police quickly evicted residents from shore-adjacent areas to higher ground, while in Curry County, emergency manager Jeff Hughes instructed police and firefighters in Gold Beach to activate warning sirens and urge evacuation.
Hughes acknowledged the challenges posed by the limited time to conduct more extensive evacuations but emphasized the importance of preparedness. He highlighted that individuals who took the warnings seriously benefited from their readiness, urging coastal residents to remain vigilant about such emergency situations.
In response to the warning, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department closed all state park beaches. Hydrologist Andy Bryant from the National Weather Service in Portland explained that tsunamis typically take 45 minutes to an hour to follow an earthquake and generally arrive in waves. He indicated that the location of the earthquake meant that waves would be traveling northward, which might limit the impact along the coast.
While the alert was localized, Lane County officials notified residents in coastal areas about the possibility of seeking higher ground if they felt concerned, even though direct impact to places like Florence was not anticipated. They aimed to keep over 22,000 contacts informed to ensure awareness and promote safety.
Despite the false alarm, officials expressed gratitude that no tsunami ensued from the event. They underscored the importance of preparedness as such warnings serve as critical reminders for coastal communities.
This incident serves as a vital reminder of the unpredictability of natural events and the importance of being prepared for emergencies. It highlights the quick response from local authorities and emphasizes the need for community awareness and readiness, fostering a sense of unity and precaution among residents.