A strong earthquake measuring magnitude over 7 on the Richter Scale struck coast of Northern California on Thursday (local time), according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The seismic activity occurred at 10.44 am (local time) in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 5.5 miles (9 kilometres) to the west of Ferndale, a modest coastal settlement in Humboldt County. Subsequently, the region experienced multiple minor aftershocks.
A tsunami alert was also issued immediately following the massive seismic activity by the National Tsunami Centre of the United States but later lifted.
Powerful tremors were also recorded in various regions including Petrolia, Scotland and Cobb. The seismic activity’s impact extended to San Francisco. BART (San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District) suspended all services through its subaqueous tunnel connecting San Francisco and Oakland for a brief period to avoid any potential danger.
Throughout the Santa Cruz region, mobile devices received an urgent tsunami alert issued by the National Weather Service stating, “A series of powerful waves and strong currents may impact coasts near you. You are in danger. Get away from coastal waters. Move to high ground or inland now. Keep away from the coast until local officials say it is safe to return.”
The USGS issued a yellow alert, which predicts localised but minimal damage, as per AP reports.
California Governor Gavin Newsom was briefed on the situation and met with state emergency officials to coordinate response efforts.
No fatalities, injuries or damage to property has been reported yet. The earthquake’s proximity affected over 1.3 million people are are likely to have experienced the tremors.
