By Smartenyclopedia with Agencies
Ferndale, California – A powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of northern California this morning, shaking communities and triggering a brief tsunami warning for parts of the California and Oregon coastline. The alert, which initially included an area home to approximately 4.7 million people, was later cancelled after assessments showed no immediate tsunami threat.
The epicenter of the quake was located 68 kilometers off the coastal town of Ferndale in Humboldt County, approximately 260 miles (418 kilometers) north of San Francisco. Residents in the region reported intense ground shaking, and multiple aftershocks have since been recorded.
Power Outages and Structural Damage
Humboldt County saw over 10,000 residents lose power in the aftermath of the earthquake, according to tracking site Poweroutage.us. Reports of structural damage began to surface as emergency responders surveyed the area.
Olivia Cobian, innkeeper of Ferndale’s Gingerbread Mansion Inn, described the aftermath as “a warzone.” She reported, “We have huge cast iron fireplaces that have been lifted up and moved over; everything’s fallen over, broken.”
Local authorities, including the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, stated there were no immediate reports of widespread devastation, though assessments are ongoing.
Evacuations and Immediate Response
In the hours following the quake, precautionary tsunami warnings led to evacuation orders in some areas, including the city of Berkeley in northern California. Residents in designated tsunami zones were urged to move to higher ground, with messages such as “EVACUATE NOW” shared via social media alerts.
Kayla Aihara, staying at a hotel in Half Moon Bay, described the tense moments as guests evacuated gym facilities and moved to safer locations. “We all just waited outside, watching the shoreline and hoping for the best,” she recounted.
State and Federal Response
California Governor Gavin Newsom was briefed on the earthquake and has since coordinated with state emergency officials to ensure rapid response efforts. State Senator Mike McGuire confirmed that immediate assistance was being sent to Humboldt and Del Norte counties.
“There are reports of some homes that have come off their foundations in the Eel River Valley,” McGuire wrote on social media.
Seismic Activity in a Region at Risk
Northern California is part of the geologically active Pacific Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates converge. While the region frequently experiences smaller tremors, quakes of this magnitude are less common. Experts note that globally, only 10 to 15 earthquakes of this size occur each year.
Residents have been reminded to stay vigilant, avoid hazard zones, and prepare for potential aftershocks in the coming days.
Summary of Key Events
- A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast near Ferndale, California, at 10:44 a.m. local time.
- A tsunami warning was issued for northern California and southern Oregon but later lifted.
- Over 10,000 residents in Humboldt County remain without power.
- Reports of structural damage include homes dislodged from their foundations in the Eel River Valley.
- Emergency response teams are actively surveying and addressing the impacts.
As the region continues to recover, officials stress the importance of emergency preparedness and cooperation with local authorities to ensure safety in the aftermath of the quake.