Ferndale, California – December 5, 2024
A powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck the US West Coast this morning, shaking coastal areas from Northern California to as far south as San Francisco. The earthquake’s epicenter was located 63 kilometers west of Ferndale, in a sparsely populated part of Humboldt County, at a shallow depth of just 10 kilometers. The tremor caused widespread shaking and prompted urgent warnings for coastal residents, urging them to move to higher ground due to the threat of a tsunami.
Key points:
- A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Northern California on December 5, 2024.
- The earthquake’s epicenter was 63 kilometers west of Ferndale, in Humboldt County.
- The National Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami warning for parts of California and Oregon, which was later canceled.
- Emergency services responded swiftly, and evacuations were carried out in coastal areas.
- There have been no immediate reports of major injuries or fatalities.
Earthquake Details and Immediate Impact
The earthquake hit at approximately 10:55 AM local time and was felt across a large swath of Northern California. In San Francisco, residents reported feeling a rolling motion that lasted several seconds. The tremor was followed by multiple aftershocks, adding to the anxiety of those in affected areas.
The San Francisco Zoo was evacuated as a precaution, with staff securing the animals and moving to higher ground. Along the coast, emergency alerts sounded, warning millions of people in California and Oregon about the potential tsunami threat. Authorities urged coastal residents to immediately evacuate to higher ground as a series of powerful waves and strong currents were predicted.
Tsunami Warning Issued and Canceled
The National Tsunami Center issued a warning for a large stretch of the US West Coast, from Dunes City, Oregon, to San Francisco and San Jose, California, covering a distance of approximately 643 kilometers. At least 5.3 million people in California were placed under the tsunami warning, with the National Weather Service urging locals to “move to high ground or inland now” and to remain away from the coast until further notice.
The tsunami warning prompted a swift and coordinated response, with emergency services on high alert and evacuation procedures in place. However, after about an hour, the warning was downgraded and eventually canceled, as the tsunami threat was determined to be minimal. Officials assured the public that the danger had passed, although they continued to monitor aftershocks and other potential risks.
Response and Recovery Efforts
Local, state, and federal emergency teams immediately responded to the earthquake and tsunami threat. Evacuations were carried out in coastal areas, and shelters were set up for displaced residents. Power outages and communication disruptions were reported in several regions, further complicating emergency response efforts. Despite the intense shaking and potential tsunami threat, there have been no immediate reports of major injuries or fatalities.
Authorities are currently assessing the extent of damage to buildings, infrastructure, and critical facilities. Recovery and rebuilding efforts will begin once the immediate danger has passed, with officials focused on ensuring the safety of residents and facilitating a swift recovery.
Aftershocks and Ongoing Monitoring
In the aftermath of the earthquake, several aftershocks were reported, although no additional significant seismic events have been recorded. Authorities continue to urge caution, with monitoring efforts in place to detect any further tremors or changes in seismic activity.
While the immediate tsunami threat has been canceled, the event underscores the vulnerability of coastal communities in Northern California to both earthquakes and tsunamis. Officials continue to stress the importance of preparedness in the face of such natural disasters, and residents have been reminded of the risks posed by future seismic events.
As of now, emergency teams are focusing on recovery operations, and further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
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