The National Weather Service lifted the tsunami warning for the U.S. West Coast after a powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck parts of California on Thursday, causing widespread concern and disruption. The earthquake hit at 10:44 a.m. near Ferndale in Humboldt County, sending tremors as far south as San Francisco. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, more than 5.3 million people were initially placed under the tsunami warning. The quake caused a rolling motion that lasted several seconds, followed by multiple aftershocks. Fortunately, no immediate reports of significant damage or injuries were reported.
The tsunami warning extended across nearly 500 miles of coastline, from California’s Monterey Bay up to Oregon. Although the alert was ultimately canceled, the region’s residents faced significant stress as they braced for potential disaster. Local authorities acted swiftly, with evacuation orders issued in various cities, urging residents to seek higher ground or move inland.
Julie Kreitzer, a local business owner in Ferndale, described the harrowing experience: “It was a strong shake, our building trembled. We’re okay, but I have a mess to clean up. We lost quite a bit.” Kreitzer added that the damage from this earthquake appeared to be worse than the one experienced two years ago, leaving her concerned about recovering goods in time for the holiday season.
In Eureka, city officials reported that while emergency teams were evaluating the extent of the damage, there had been no serious injuries. However, in schools across the area, students were instructed to take cover under desks during the quake, with some expressing concerns about contacting their parents. The uncertainty created by the quake added a layer of fear for many, particularly families separated by the shaking.
In response to the tremors, key infrastructure was temporarily impacted. The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) suspended service through the underwater tunnel between San Francisco and Oakland for safety reasons, while the San Francisco Zoo acted quickly to evacuate visitors and moved both staff and animals to higher ground.
Though the tsunami warning was lifted as the threat of a tsunami subsided, the earthquake served as a stark reminder of the seismic vulnerability of California’s coast. Experts warn that the state remains at risk for future earthquakes, especially given its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire. The region is one of the most active seismic zones in the world, with authorities stressing the importance of disaster preparedness.
This earthquake also prompted further discussion on improving infrastructure resilience to earthquakes and mitigating the effects of such natural disasters. In the aftermath, emergency services and local governments are working together to assess the long-term impact, ensuring the safety of residents and the integrity of critical systems, such as transportation and utilities.
