Tsunami warning lifted after 7.0 magnitude earthquake hits California coast
A powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the northern California coast, according to the US Geological Survey. The epicentre was near Ferndale, a small town in Humboldt County, about 260 miles (418km) north of San Francisco.
A tsunami warning was briefly issued for northern California and southern Oregon, affecting approximately 4.7 million residents. However, the warning was rescinded shortly after authorities determined there was no significant tsunami threat.
While no deaths or widespread destruction have been reported, minor damage occurred in some homes, and items were knocked off store shelves. More than 10,000 residents in Humboldt County experienced power outages, though electricity has since been restored to many.
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency to mobilise resources for the affected area. He called the earthquake “a reminder of the state we live in” and emphasised the importance of preparedness.
The earthquake, which struck at 10:44 a.m. local time (18:44 GMT), triggered multiple aftershocks. Although most were minor, they prompted precautionary evacuation orders in some areas, including Berkeley, due to initial fears of a tsunami.
