By Asmita - Dec 06, 2024
A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Northern California, prompting tsunami warnings for the region. Despite minimal tsunami activity, a state of emergency was declared for three counties. Reported damages included shattered windows and power outages, with no casualties. Aftershocks were recorded, and experts stated a 5% chance of another significant earthquake within a week.
Tsunami via Flickr
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On December 5, 2024, a significant 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Northern California, approximately 60 miles west of Ferndale, at around 10:44 AM PST. This seismic event prompted immediate tsunami warnings for coastal regions stretching from Davenport, California, to the Oregon border, affecting over 5 million residents. The National Weather Service issued alerts that were delivered via emergency notifications to mobile devices in the area, warning residents of potential dangerous waves and strong currents, urging them to evacuate coastal waters and seek higher ground.
Despite the initial tsunami warnings, the earthquake's fault zone is not typically associated with large tsunamis. The Mendocino Fault Zone, responsible for the quake, features strike-slip faults characterized by horizontal movement rather than vertical displacement, which is essential for generating significant tsunami waves. Although a small tsunami measuring less than two inches was recorded, it did not cause any damage along the coast.The warnings were lifted shortly after noon local time as no substantial tsunami activity was observed.
In response to the quake, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for three counties in Northern California. Reports indicated isolated instances of damage such as ruptured water pipelines and shattered windows but no casualties were reported. Emergency services mobilized quickly to assess damages and ensure public safety. State Senator Mike McGuire noted that about 10,000 residents in Humboldt County experienced power outages due to the quake.
Seismologists indicated that the earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of approximately one mile, contributing to its felt intensity across a broad area, including San Francisco. Following the main event, numerous aftershocks were recorded, with a notable one measuring 4.3 in magnitude.Experts estimated a 5% chance of another earthquake exceeding magnitude 6.0 occurring within the week following the event, highlighting the ongoing seismic activity in this region.
