Item details
- Author,Writing
- Author title, BBC News World
- December 5,2024
Updated 8 hours
A strong 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Northern California this Thursday, according to the United States Geological Survey.
Local officials said no deaths or major property damage where reported following the earthquake.
After the earthquake, a tsunami warning along the northern California and southern Oregon coasts, which was canceled an hour later.
Governor of California, Gavin Newsoma state of emergency was declared so that there would be additional resources for the affected areas.
The core of the tremor was located 68 kilometers off the coast of Ferndalea small city in Humboldt County California.
A resident of Ferndale who spoke to the BBC in the minutes after the earthquake said that the inside of the building he was in looked like. “as if a bomb had gone off in every room”.
Olivia Cobian of the Gingerbread Mansion Inn in Ferndale said the inside of the property is now “like a war zone.”
“We have huge cast iron chimneys that have been lifted and moved, everything is down, broken, I’m glad nobody’s in the house.”
Image source, Reuters
photo caption, A line of cars evacuating the coastal area near San Francisco, California.
Numerous aftershocks have been reported since the initial earthquake, which occurred around 10:40 local time (18:40 GMT).
Newsom met with state emergency officials to help coordinate the response and in subsequent press statements said he was ”concerned about the damage.”
More than 10,000 people were without power in the county, according to the tracking website Poweroutage.us.
the figure represents about 10% of the approximately 99,000 clients tracked by this website in the area.
Mike McGuire, a state senator who represents California’s North Coast, told X that the state is “immediately sending assistance” to Humboldt and nearby del Norte County to help with emergency operations.
“There are reports that several houses have fallen off their foundations in the Humboldt Eel River Valley,” he wrote.
There are no confirmed reports of significant damage in Humboldt County from California.
Videos posted on social media show minor damage to local businesses, including broken glass and doors, and items scattered around bars and grocery stores.
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What should residents do to prepare for an earthquake in coastal California?
Time.news Interview: Quaking News – Understanding the Recent Earthquake Off the California coast
Editor: Good afternoon and welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re joined by Dr.Emily Carter, a renowned seismologist from the Seismology Institute, to help us understand the recent 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of northern California. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Carter.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me! It’s crucial to discuss these events, especially given their potential impact.
Editor: Let’s dive right into it. The earthquake occurred on December 5, 2024. Can you tell us what this means for a region like Northern California, which is no stranger to seismic activity?
Dr. Carter: Absolutely. Northern California is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area known for its intense seismic activity. A 7.0 magnitude quake is significant; however, the region has experienced similar events in the past. What’s crucial here is how well-prepared the local communities are to handle such situations, which can really help mitigate damage.
Editor: Indeed, the reports indicate that there were no deaths or major property damage. What factors do you think contributed to this positive outcome?
Dr. Carter: Two key factors come to mind. First, the earthquake’s epicenter was 68 kilometers off the coast, which lessens the likelihood of causing significant surface damage. Second, California has stringent building codes and extensive earthquake preparedness programs in place, which likely helped prevent casualties.
Editor: Following the quake, a tsunami warning was issued for the northern California and southern Oregon coasts but was canceled an hour later. Can you explain how these alerts work and why they are so critical?
Dr. Carter: Tsunami warnings are critical as they inform coastal residents of potential danger following undersea earthquakes. Authorities use data from seismic stations and models to determine the likelihood of a tsunami. Fortunately, in this case, the conditions didn’t warrant a serious threat. Speedy communication and effective monitoring are essential to ensure public safety.
Editor: Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency shortly after the quake to allocate additional resources.How does this declaration aid in disaster response?
Dr. Carter: A state of emergency enables local governments to access emergency funds, expedite assistance, and request help from state and federal agencies.This can considerably enhance recovery efforts and preparedness for any aftershocks or related incidents that might occur.
Editor: With all these measures in place, how can residents still ensure their safety during such events?
dr. Carter: Education and preparedness are key. Residents should have an emergency kit, a communication plan, and know evacuation routes. Regular drills can definitely help people respond appropriately when an earthquake strikes,reducing panic and ensuring that everyone knows what to do.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for your insights today. It’s reassuring to know that, despite the threats posed by nature, effective measures can greatly reduce the risks to communities.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me! Public awareness and preparedness are the best defenses we have against natural disasters.
Editor: And thank you to our listeners for tuning in. We’ll continue to cover the impact of this earthquake and provide updates on any further developments. Stay safe and informed!