California earthquake 2024/ 7.0 earthquake Ferndale/ tsunami warning California/ Humboldt County earthquake damage/ earthquake country California/ Northern California seismic activity/ SAN FRANCISCO/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Northern California near Ferndale, triggering a tsunami warning along 500 miles of the West Coast. While no major damage or injuries were reported, the quake rattled nerves and disrupted daily life across the region.
California Earthquake: Quick Looks
- Epicenter Location: West of Ferndale in seismically active Humboldt County.
- Tsunami Warning: Alert issued, then lifted after no significant waves appeared.
- Impacts: Minor damages reported; no major injuries.
- Response: Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency; evacuations were ordered.
- Seismic Activity: Part of California’s “earthquake country” where tectonic plates meet.
Tsunami Warning Issued as California Hit by 7.0 Earthquake
Deep Look
Northern California was shaken Thursday by a powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake centered near Ferndale, Humboldt County. Known for its seismic activity, the region experienced intense shaking that triggered a brief tsunami warning, causing widespread confusion and precautionary evacuations.
The Earthquake and Immediate Reactions
The earthquake struck at 10:44 a.m., startling residents and knocking items off shelves. It was felt as far south as San Francisco, approximately 270 miles away. Ferndale’s Golden Gait Mercantile saw goods toppled to the floor, and schools across the region had students scrambling under desks.
“It wasn’t a sharp jolt. It was a slow roller, but significant,” said Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal.
Phones buzzed with tsunami warnings shortly after the quake, prompting evacuations from Crescent City to Monterey Bay. Cars jammed highways in Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay as residents fled to higher ground.
Tsunami Warning Lifted
The National Weather Service issued the warning with messages urging people to move inland or to higher ground. The alert was lifted about an hour later after no significant waves materialized.
Corina Allen, tsunami program manager for the National Weather Service, explained that the earthquake was a strike-slip type, shifting horizontally rather than vertically, making it less likely to generate tsunamis.
Impacts and Damage Reports
While the shaking caused alarm, no major damage or injuries were reported. Minor structural cracks and broken glass were observed, and Humboldt County crews worked to assess the full impact.
In Ferndale, store owner Julie Kreitzer faced a mess:
“I have to try and salvage something for the holidays because it’s going to be a tough year.”
Government Response
Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency to expedite resources to affected areas. President Joe Biden was briefed, and FEMA officials coordinated with state and local agencies to monitor the situation.
A History of Earthquake Activity
The region is part of California’s “earthquake country,” where three tectonic plates—the Pacific, North American, and Juan de Fuca—meet. This seismic hotspot has experienced significant quakes, including a 6.4-magnitude earthquake in 2022.
Lucy Jones, a renowned seismologist, noted that the region’s geological activity makes such temblors inevitable.
“We’re used to it. It’s part of life up here,” said Sheriff Honsal.
Preparedness and Future Concerns
The quake serves as a reminder of the importance of earthquake preparedness in California. Experts advise securing household items, planning evacuation routes, and staying informed about regional risks.
While this event caused minimal damage, it underscores the ever-present threat posed by the state’s geological forces.
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