A powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake rocked the northern California coast, generating initial tsunami warnings along the shores of California and Oregon. The epicenter was reported just off Ferndale, Humboldt County, approximately 260 miles north of San Francisco, affecting about 4.7 million residents.
While safety measures prompted immediate evacuation orders for at-risk coastal areas, officials later cancelled the tsunami warnings without reports of catastrophic damage or injuries. The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office confirmed that although some homes experienced minor damage, there was no significant devastation to local infrastructure. Numerous residents reported disturbances, with items tumbling off shelves and temporary power outages affecting over 10,000 households in the region.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes during the quake, with one local innkeeper, Olivia Cobian, stating her establishment resembled "a warzone" following the tremors. Todd Dunaway, another observer, likened the shaking to "standing on a giant waterbed," while reflecting on the anxiety of waiting for potential aftershocks.
As a precaution, cities like Berkeley quickly alerted residents with evacuation instructions targeting those within tsunami hazard zones. Kayla Aihara, a hotel guest in Half Moon Bay, recounted the rush to seek higher ground ahead of the tsunami alert being lifted, with onlookers monitoring ocean activity.
California Governor Gavin Newsom addressed the earthquake from a separate location, declaring a state of emergency to facilitate resource allocation for recovery efforts. Local authorities emphasized the importance of preparedness in tsunami zones, noting that evacuations must happen swiftly after significant seismic events.
Though the West Coast has a history of seismic activity due to multiple tectonic plate interactions, a 7.0 magnitude quake in this area is notably unusual. Experts highlight that, on average, there are 10 to 15 earthquakes of this magnitude globally each year.
Residents are reminded to be vigilant, familiarize themselves with evacuation routes, and remain prepared, as the potential for seismic activity continues in this tectonically active region.
