A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0 struck northern California on Thursday, prompting a tsunami warning for millions of residents across the U.S. West Coast.
The quake, which struck at a shallow depth of just 10 km (6.2 miles), was centered about 39 miles (63 km) west of Ferndale, a small and sparsely populated town along the California coast.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) initially reported the earthquake’s magnitude as 6.6 but later revised it to 7.0, confirming the event as one of the more powerful tremors to hit the region in recent years.
According to the USGS, the epicenter of the earthquake was located off the coast of California, though the tremor was felt in various parts of the state, including Oregon. The quake rattled the region early in the morning, leaving many residents shaken and causing concern across the West Coast.
Following the earthquake, the National Tsunami Center issued an urgent warning for a large section of the U.S. West Coast. The warning stretched from Dunes City, Oregon, down to San Francisco and San Jose in California, covering an area of approximately 400 miles (643 km).
The tsunami warning affects an estimated 4.7 million residents in California and Oregon, according to the National Weather Service. Cities like San Francisco, along with much of the surrounding Bay Area, are now on high alert as emergency officials monitor the situation.
Local authorities have been quick to act, advising residents in affected areas to stay alert for potential aftershocks and the possibility of a tsunami hitting the coastline. Experts have cautioned that while the initial earthquake was powerful, the true impact of the tsunami threat may not be fully understood until the waves begin to reach shore.
“We are closely monitoring the situation,” said Sarah Walton, a spokesperson for the National Tsunami Center. “The threat of a tsunami is real, and we urge all residents in the warning zones to stay clear of the water and follow all evacuation orders if issued.”
Despite the intense shaking, there have been no immediate reports of significant structural damage or injuries. However, authorities are continuing to assess the extent of the damage and are preparing for the possibility of further tremors. Local power supplier PG&E reported that some areas were experiencing temporary power outages, but no widespread disruptions had been confirmed.
The magnitude 7.0 earthquake comes just months after a smaller earthquake, a magnitude 4.8 tremor, hit the New York City area in April 2024. While the New York quake was far less intense, it caused minor tremors that startled residents in the surrounding areas, including New Jersey and the surrounding suburbs.
Thursday’s quake has reignited concerns about California’s vulnerability to large earthquakes, particularly along the Pacific Coast. Experts have long warned that a major seismic event could strike the region at any time, and the latest tremor serves as a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters.
In response to the earthquake, residents of California have taken to social media platforms like X to share their experiences and concerns. Many reported feeling the tremor in various cities across the state, including Sacramento, Oakland, and San Francisco. Several users posted videos of the shaking, as well as images of buildings swaying and furniture moving during the tremor.
“I was at work when the building started shaking. I had no idea what was happening,” said Janet Lopez, a resident of Oakland. “It was really scary. I immediately thought of the big one they’ve been warning us about.”
As the situation unfolds, emergency teams are mobilizing to respond to potential tsunami threats and any damage caused by the quake. Local authorities have urged people to remain calm but vigilant, noting that aftershocks are likely in the coming days.
“We’re still in the early stages of responding to this event,” said Mark Johnson, a spokesperson for the California Office of Emergency Services. “Our priority right now is ensuring public safety and coordinating with federal agencies to assess the risk of a tsunami.”
The tsunami warning has prompted evacuation preparations along the affected coastline. Authorities are urging people in coastal areas to move to higher ground, especially those near the cities of San Francisco and San Jose, which are directly in the path of the tsunami alert.
In Australia, similar concerns over earthquake activity surfaced in November 2024 when a 4.1 magnitude tremor was felt across parts of New South Wales. The quake shook communities in Sydney, including the Central Coast and Scone, though it was far less intense than Thursday’s earthquake in California. Power outages were reported in the affected areas, though no injuries were confirmed.
The concerns over global seismic activity are likely to rise in the wake of these two major tremors. Experts have long warned that earthquake-prone areas like California must be prepared for the possibility of large-scale disasters, and Thursday’s earthquake serves as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability.
