California: A powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Ferndale, California, late Thursday night, sending shockwaves through the region and prompting widespread concern. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the epicenter of the quake was located at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.21 miles) beneath the surface.
Tsunami Warning Sparks Panic
The US National Tsunami Center issued a tsunami warning shortly after the earthquake, cautioning residents along the coast to seek higher ground. Phones buzzed with alerts from the National Weather Service, warning of “powerful waves and strong currents” and urging people to stay away from the coastline. While the tsunami alert was canceled within an hour, officials advised residents to remain cautious and avoid the shore.
Impact Felt Across California
The tremors were felt as far south as San Francisco, where buildings swayed for several seconds. In Humboldt County, closer to the epicenter, residents reported shaking shelves, children taking cover under desks, and people rushing out of homes. The earthquake also triggered multiple aftershocks, adding to the anxiety.
Local seismologist Lucy Jones commented on the region’s vulnerability, explaining, “The northwestern part of California is the most seismically active in the state, as it sits at the convergence of three tectonic plates.”
A Region Familiar with Earthquakes
Ferndale, located about 130 miles (209 km) south of the Oregon border, is no stranger to seismic activity. The picturesque area, known for its redwood forests and its place in the “Emerald Triangle” cannabis-growing region, experienced a 6.4 magnitude earthquake in 2022.
Preparedness Amid Chaos
The earthquake occurred at 10:44 PM, sending Humboldt County residents scrambling for safety. Despite the cancellation of the tsunami warning, the brief scare highlighted the need for preparedness in a region that frequently experiences tectonic activity.
Officials continue to assess damage in the affected areas, and residents have been urged to remain vigilant as aftershocks persist. The event serves as a stark reminder of California’s susceptibility to major seismic events and the importance of readiness in such scenarios.
