A powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake shook northern California this Thursday morning.The earthquake could be felt in coastal cities in the region, such as San Francisco and Oakland. For a few minutes, the authorities declared a tsunami warning for hundreds of kilometers of the coast, from the State and to nearby Oregon. The warning was lifted a minute later, around midday. “There is no danger of a tsunami in this area,” he said. on social networks United States National Tsunami warning Center.
State authorities estimated that the tsunami waves would reach San Francisco around 12:10. Tsunami alerts are automatically activated for any seismic event of magnitude 5.0 or greater. “A series of large waves and strong currents can affect the coasts near you. “You are in danger, stay off the coast,” reported an alert sent to area residents’ cellphones. Tsunami sirens were activated and could also be heard in neighboring Santa Cruz County, south of the bay. The city’s Department of Energy asked the population to move from beaches, docks and marinas and land for at least one block.
At the moment, there are no reports of meaningful damage in the cities, although some public services were suspended in San Francisco, such as public transportation in the bay (Transbay). A Police Department spokesman said officers are on alert and making sure people follow official communications and leave lower-lying parts of the city. Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, confirmed that he continues to analyze the possible effects on infrastructure. The president has also announced that he has prescribed a state of emergency for Humboldt County (north of the State) to be able to face possible damages.
“We will continue to operate the Emergency Center to monitor the situation,” London Breed, the mayor of San Francisco, said after the tsunami warning was lifted. Póir warned the population that there could still be strong swells, so he asked people to avoid water activities due to the presence of risky waves.
The earthquake occurred around 10:44 in the morning and was centered at a point in the Pacific Ocean 10 kilometers deep. The nearest community, about 110 kilometers away, was the port of Eureka which is located three hours north of San Francisco. With a population of 25,000 people, Eureka is the California city where the earthquake was felt “very strongly,” according to geologists. The movement could be felt with different strengths in other coastal communities such as Cuan Cuan and crescent City, in Oregon; and Mendocino, in California.
In San Francisco the cell phones rang a minute before 11:00. In the embarcadero area, one of the city’s most touristy areas, commuters looked at each other strangely and approached the city police to ask questions. “it’s Thursday, it’s December, it’s not Christmas time yet, so I’d say it’s midday. Yes, it’s normal,” said the information officer at Fisherman’s Wharf, the popular promenade.“I’m not worried, maybe the water level will rise a bit and that’s it. “I don’t think there will be waves,” he said. At the end of November, there was another flood warning in the area due to the heavy rain recorded.
The city’s bridges, the Golden Gate and the Bay Bridge, continued their normal activities this past Thursday, although recommendations suggested not to cross them for the next two hours. In the last ten days, two magnitude 3.0 earthquakes were recorded in the area, an area of high seismic activity. On average, about five magnitude 7.0 to 8.0 earthquakes are recorded annually in California and Nevada, according to information collected by the United states Geological Survey over the past three years.
You have to go back to 2014 to find an earthquake this big. Then it was a 6.0 that shook the Napa Valley area,damaging structures and buildings,as well as cracks in the roads that connect the densely populated area of San Francisco and Oakland to the center of the gigantic state.
What are the likely economic impacts of a 7.0 magnitude earthquake in northern California?
Interview: Understanding the Impact of the 7.0 Magnitude Earthquake in Northern California
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good afternoon,and welcome to Time.news. Today,we have a special guest,Dr. Emily Rivers,a seismologist wiht over 15 years of experience studying earthquakes. Thank you for joining us today, Dr.Rivers.
Dr. Emily Rivers (ER): Thank you for having me! It’s a critical time to discuss the recent events in northern California.
TNE: Let’s dive right in. This morning, a powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake shook northern California, felt as far away as San Francisco and Oakland. What can you tell us about the significance of a quake of this magnitude?
ER: A 7.0 magnitude earthquake is considered a major quake. While the ground shaking can be intense and cause structural damage, it’s the context—depth, location, and population density—that frequently enough determines its impact. Fortunately, the earthquake struck early in the morning when many people were at home but not on the roads, which may have limited injuries and fatalities.
TNE: That’s a very critically important point.Just minutes after the earthquake, authorities issued a tsunami warning for the coastal region, which was lifted shortly thereafter. Can you explain why tsunami warnings are issued following significant earthquakes?
ER: Absolutely. Tsunami warnings are typically issued as a precautionary measure whenever there’s a significant underwater disturbance.In this case, the earthquake coudl have triggered a tsunami, which is why they alerted the public. However, the quick assessment from the United States National Tsunami Warning Center indicated that there was no actual tsunami threat to the region, which is reassuring.
TNE: That’s certainly a relief for residents along the coast. What factors contribute to the decision to quickly lift such warnings?
ER: Several factors are considered, including the earthquake’s depth and the geological characteristics of the area. The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center utilizes seismic data and models to evaluate the situation in real-time. If they determine there’s no ample displacement of water, they can lift the warning quickly.
TNE: We also heard that state authorities were estimating that tsunami waves could have reached San Francisco around 12:10 PM. How significant are those estimates,and what does that mean for preparedness?
ER: The estimates serve multiple purposes,primarily for preparedness and safety. Knowing the potential time frame helps emergency services to mobilize resources, communicate with residents, and ensure public safety. It’s crucial for coastal communities to have evacuation procedures and emergency plans in place, especially considering the unpredictability of natural events like earthquakes.
TNE: besides preparedness, what immediate safety measures can individuals take when an earthquake strikes?
ER: The “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” method is key during the shaking.It’s critically important to find a sturdy piece of furniture to shield yourself from falling objects. After an earthquake, check for gas leaks and be cautious of aftershocks. Having an emergency kit ready can also be vital.
TNE: Great advice, Dr. Rivers. As we wrap up, what are the long-term implications of this earthquake for northern California in terms of infrastructure and community resilience?
ER: Each major earthquake serves as a reminder of the region’s seismic vulnerability. It underscores the importance of retrofitting old buildings, enhancing emergency response systems, and educating the public. Building community resilience and infrastructure that can withstand future events is absolutely vital.
TNE: Thank you so much, Dr. Rivers, for sharing your insights with us today. It’s crucial for our audience to understand both the immediate and long-term implications of such seismic events.
ER: thank you for having me. Stay prepared and safe!
TNE: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. We’ll continue to provide updates on this and other important news. Stay informed and stay safe!
