LOS ANGELES: A powerful magnitude 7 earthquake struck off the northern California coast on Thursday, triggering a tsunami warning for millions along the California and Oregon coastline, though the warning was lifted an hour later.
The earthquake, which occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, was centered 63 kilometers west of Ferndale, a sparsely populated town in northern California, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).
The tremor led to a tsunami warning affecting approximately 4.7 million residents across California and Oregon, including San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area. Authorities in Berkeley issued evacuation orders for parts of the city, urging residents to seek higher ground. Smartphone alerts emphasized the urgency, warning of potential powerful waves and strong currents.
“A series of powerful waves and strong currents may impact coasts near you,” the alerts read. “You are in danger. Get away from coastal waters.”
The National Weather Service later withdrew the warning just before midday, prior to the anticipated arrival of the first waves.
Residents across the region reported feeling the quake, with some describing intense shaking followed by a rolling sensation. Marc Buller, a Eureka resident near the epicenter, likened the experience to ripples on water.
“It was an intense jolt,” Buller said. “It felt like the house was on rollers.”
The earthquake caused power outages, leaving approximately 19,000 residents in Humboldt County without electricity, according to PowerOutage.us.
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office confirmed he was meeting with state emergency officials to ensure public safety.
The US west coast, situated on the edge of several tectonic plates, is prone to earthquakes. The region has a history of major seismic events, including the deadly Northridge earthquake in 1994 and the devastating San Francisco quake of 1906.
No immediate reports of casualties or significant structural damage have been released, but authorities continue to assess the situation. Residents are advised to remain vigilant as aftershocks may follow.
