An earthquake was recorded this Thursday morning,local time,near the coast,west of Ferndale,a small town near the border with the state of Oregon.
The tsunami warning for the US west coast was canceled after a strong earthquake shook parts of California last Thursday.
At least 5.3 million people in California were under a tsunami warning for about an hour after the magnitude 7.0 earthquake, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said. A warning was issued predicting local but minimal damage. The earthquake was felt further south, in San francisco, were residents say they felt the tremor for several seconds.
There were no immediate reports of damage or major injuries.
The earthquake struck at 10:44 local time off Ferndale, a small town in coastal Humboldt County near the Oregon border, according to the USGS.
The San francisco Zoo announced that visitors had been evacuated and that animals and workers had moved to higher ground.
Subsequent earthquakes were recorded in the region,including a magnitude 4.2 earthquake near Petrolia, the USGS said.
More than 1.3 million people may have felt the earthquake, according to estimates from the US Geological Survey.
What should residents do promptly after feeling an earthquake?
Q&A Interview: Understanding the recent Earthquake Off Ferndale,California
Considering the recent 7.0 magnitude earthquake near ferndale, California, we sat down with Dr. Emily Carter,a seismologist with the United States Geological survey (USGS),to discuss the event and its implications for residents along the West Coast.
Q: Dr. Carter, can you provide us with details about the recent earthquake that occurred near Ferndale?
A: Absolutely. The earthquake struck at 10:44 AM local time on Thursday, located off the coast of Ferndale, which is a small town in Humboldt County near the Oregon border.It registered a magnitude of 7.0, which is classified as a strong earthquake. Fortunately, while the quake was felt as far south as San Francisco, we received no immediate reports of major damage or injuries.
Q: What can you tell us about the tsunami warning that was issued following the earthquake?
A: Initially, a tsunami warning was put in place for the US West Coast, impacting at least 5.3 million residents in California for about an hour.Fortunately, this warning was later canceled as the threat was assessed to be minimal. This highlights that while notable earthquakes can generate tsunami warnings, the actual risk can vary significantly based on the earthquake’s parameters and its location.
Q: How many people actually felt this earthquake, and what did they report?
A: Our estimates suggest that over 1.3 million people may have felt the earthquake. Many residents in San Francisco described feeling the tremor for several seconds.This serves as a reminder that earthquakes can resonate through large areas, affecting communities miles away from the epicenter.
Q: Were there any precautions taken in response to the earthquake?
A: Yes, in light of the earthquake, the San Francisco Zoo evacuated visitors and relocated animals and staff to higher ground as a precautionary measure. Such responses are standard practice to ensure safety, especially in areas that are prone to seismic activity.
Q: How do you assess the potential for aftershocks following a significant earthquake like this one?
A: Following the main event, we can expect aftershocks, which are common. As a notable example, after this earthquake, there was already a recorded magnitude 4.2 aftershock near Petrolia. Residents should be prepared for the possibility of additional shaking in the days and weeks to come. The best advice is to have an emergency plan in place and to be aware of yoru surroundings.
Q: What practical advice would you give to residents living in earthquake-prone areas?
A: It’s crucial for residents to stay informed about earthquake safety. Familiarize yourself with the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” technique, make an emergency kit, and establish a communication plan with family members. Additionally, securing heavy furniture and belongings can minimize risk during an earthquake. Remember, preparedness can make a significant difference.
Q: Looking ahead, what can we learn from this incident?
A: this event serves as a reminder of the importance of earthquake preparedness and awareness. Although it was alarming, the systems in place—like the tsunami warning and real-time assessments—are crucial for public safety. Each earthquake helps us refine our understanding and improves our protocols for future incidents.
This informative conversation with Dr. Carter provides valuable insights into the recent earthquake and essential tips for preparedness that could benefit all residents along the West Coast.