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2:27 p.m. Thursday, December 5, 2024
A powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake shook Northern California on Wednesday morning, sparking widespread panic and prompting a tsunami warning for the Pacific coastline. The quake, which occurred at 10:44 a.m. local time, was centered approximately 40 miles west of Petrolia, a small town in Humboldt County.
Immediate Response and Evacuations
The National Tsunami Warning Center quickly issued a warning for the coastal regions stretching from Florence, Oregon, to Davenport, California. Residents were urged to seek higher ground immediately, with many receiving emergency alerts on their phones.
In the San Francisco Bay Area, fear gripped the densely populated region, with crowds gathering at Fort Mason, a waterfront site overlooking the Pacific. City officials in Berkeley issued an urgent evacuation order for residents in West Berkeley.
Governor Newsom Activates Emergency Procedures
California Governor Gavin Newsom swiftly activated state emergency protocols, closely monitoring the situation. Power outages affected over 10,000 residents in Humboldt County.
Tsunami Threat Withdrawn
At 11:54 a.m., just over an hour after the initial quake, the National Weather Service lifted the tsunami warning. Residents were advised not to re-enter hazard zones until local officials declared it safe.
Relief and Reflection
As the threat passed, relief washed over residents, though many remained shaken. Experts emphasized the need for continued vigilance in earthquake-prone California.
“Today was a reminder of how unpredictable nature can be,” said Dr. Alan Cheng, a seismologist with the USGS. “Preparation is key.”
A History of Quakes
California’s location atop the San Andreas Fault makes it one of the most seismically active regions globally. The last quake of this magnitude in Northern California occurred in 1992, near Petrolia.
This event serves as another chapter in California’s long history with earthquakes, an ever-present reminder of the state’s seismic reality.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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