California Earthquake: A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Humboldt County in Northern California at 10:44 a.m. on Thursday (December 5). According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the epicenter of the earthquake was west of the small town of Ferndale, which is near the Oregon border. According to the information, earthquake tremors were felt till San Francisco. Local residents said that during the tremors it felt as if they were on a swing. After this incident, officials immediately issued a tsunami warning, but it was later withdrawn.
After the earthquake, 5.3 million people were at risk of tsunami. USGS said that about 1.3 million people live in the area where tremors were felt. The National Weather Service in the Santa Cruz area warned that strong waves could affect coastal areas and advised people to evacuate. San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) stopped traffic through the underwater tunnel as a precaution.
What is the reason for earthquake
Earthquake occurs due to the movement of tectonic plates present inside the earth. These plates remain in constant motion and when they collide or rub against each other, the earth starts moving. The intensity of earthquake is measured on the Richter scale which ranges from 1 to 9. Due to an earthquake of 7.0 magnitude, strong tremors are felt within a radius of about 40 kilometers. After this, the strength of the tremors weakens as we move away from the centre.
National Weather Service warned people
The National Weather Service warned people to stay away from coastal areas and take shelter in higher places. Do not return to coastal areas until the local administration gives permission to return safely. Officials also said that the situation after the tremors is being continuously monitored and full preparations have been made to deal with any emergency.
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