On December 5, 2024, a powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the Northern California coast near Petrolia, in Humboldt County, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The earthquake, recorded at a depth of just 0.6 kilometers, occurred at 10:44 a.m. local time and triggered a brief tsunami warning for coastal areas in California and Oregon.
Tsunami Threat Downgraded
The National Tsunami Warning Center quickly issued a tsunami warning for regions stretching from Davenport, California, to the Douglas/Lane line in Oregon. However, the warning was lifted before noon local time, with authorities stating that no tsunami danger existed for the affected areas. The quick action was bolstered by a real-time assessment of the seismic event, which showed no significant risk of a large-scale tsunami impact.
Authorities in Berkeley, California, had initially issued evacuation orders for parts of the city, particularly West Berkeley, based on the potential for a tsunami. These orders were later rescinded, and residents were cleared to return to their homes after the warning was canceled. The lifting of the evacuation order signaled a return to normalcy for affected communities.
Aftershocks and Impact Assessment
Following the main earthquake, more than 30 aftershocks were reported in the region, including a 4.3 magnitude tremor near Petrolia. The USGS indicated that the aftershock sequence was expected to continue, with a 5% chance of another magnitude 6 or higher earthquake in the coming week.
Though there have been no reports of serious injuries, minor damage has been reported in Humboldt County, including roof damage in Ferndale and cracks in roads in Rio Dell. A gas leak in Rio Dell’s middle school was quickly contained. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that no injuries had been reported.
Governor Gavin Newsom of California signed a state of emergency declaration to ensure that resources would be available to respond to the event, and damage assessments are underway. Local authorities are working to evaluate the full extent of any infrastructure damage or landslides that may have occurred.
Emergency Response and Federal Support
The earthquake triggered the USGS Earthquake Early Warning system, which sent alerts as far north as Lincoln City, Oregon, and as far south as Salinas, California. More than 500,000 people received these alerts, providing a critical heads-up for individuals in the region.
In response to the disaster, President Joe Biden was briefed on the situation. While no immediate requests for federal assistance have been made, senior officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have been in contact with local authorities to ensure that necessary support is available if needed.
Looking Ahead
As recovery efforts continue, authorities are urging residents to stay prepared for possible aftershocks. The USGS has emphasized that the region should remain vigilant in the days and weeks following the main quake. With experts estimating a 34% chance of a magnitude 5 aftershock, continued preparedness will be critical for those in the affected areas.
The event also serves as a reminder of California’s seismic risk, highlighting the importance of maintaining robust emergency preparedness systems and infrastructure to manage natural disasters.
