Tsunami warning for 5 million people lifted after 7.0-quake off California coast
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A tsunami alert that impacted over 5 million individuals has been canceled following a significant earthquake in Northern California.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck slightly more than 60 miles to the west-southwest of Ferndale. Following the main earthquake, over 30 aftershocks occurred.
People living near the coast were advised to seek higher elevations after the National Weather Service issued a tsunami alert for certain areas along the California and Oregon shores.
The agency has announced that the tsunami warning has been lifted. They confirmed on social media that there is currently no threat of a tsunami in the area.
According to NBC News, Dave Snider, who oversees tsunami warnings for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, stated that “there is no risk of a harmful wave today” following the earlier alert.
“This is a complicated situation for the West Coast of the U.S.,” Snider explained. “It relies on timing. We need to send out the alert first, and then verify whether or not something is actually occurring.”
The 7.0 earthquake was just one of several tremors that rattled Northern California today.
Numerous earthquakes were detected close to Petrolia in Humboldt County, with magnitudes varying from 3.1 to 4.2, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey. Additionally, four more tremors occurred today around Ferndale.
A social media user mentioned that they felt the earthquake quite intensely in Oakland, while another person posted a video showing their pool water rippling.
The San Francisco Department of Emergency Management advised residents to avoid coastal regions, highlighting that they were “at risk.” This warning was lifted soon afterwards.
The department announced on X that “a combination of intense waves and strong currents could affect nearby coastlines. You may be at risk. Please leave the coastal waters immediately. Head to higher ground or move inland. Stay away from the shore until authorities declare it safe to come back.”
Following the tsunami warning, the Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) halted all trains traveling through the underwater tunnel connecting San Francisco and Oakland. Additionally, the San Francisco Zoo carried out an evacuation.
In a recent social media update, the zoo announced that the animals were safely secured after the tsunami warning, and staff members were relocated to higher ground for their safety.
The Berkley Police Department has also released an evacuation directive for residents in the tsunami risk area. In a now-removed message, the police stated, “Individuals located in the tsunami zone are in IMMINENT DANGER and must evacuate immediately. Please move to the east of 7th St. This is an official order to vacate the area now.”
The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services cautioned that there could be extensive hazardous coastal flooding along with strong currents, according to a statement made prior to lifting the alert.
“Residents of California need to heed advice from their local emergency services. Check out these safety tips for earthquakes,” stated Governor Gavin Newsom in a post on X.
Newsom emphasized: “This serves as a reminder of where we live and the mindset we should adopt in our everyday lives in California, especially regarding our readiness for earthquakes.”
