7.0 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near Humboldt County In California, Tremors Also Felt In Oregon

A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck near Humboldt County in California, with tremors also felt in Oregon. Residents of Rio Dell, Eureka, Santa Rosa, and Sacramento reported strong shakes. A tsunami warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for the Oregon-California coast in the wake of the quake.

“A tsunami Warning is now in effect which includes the coastal areas of California and Oregon from Davenport, California (10 miles NW of Santa Cruz) to Douglas/ Lane Line, Oregon (10 miles SW of Florence). – Event details: Preliminary magnitude 7.3 (Mwp) earthquake / Lat: 40.348, Lon: -124.733 at 2024-12-05T18:44:24 UTC Tsunami warnings mean that a tsunami with significant inundation is expected or occurring. Warnings may indicate that widespread dangerous coastal flooding accompanied by powerful currents are possible and may continue for several hours after the initial wave arrival. “

The first earthquake occurred in Petrolia, some 50 miles from Eureka, at around 10:45 a.m.

The earthquake was initially registered as having a magnitude of 6.6, but the United States Geological Survey updated it to a magnitude of 7.0.

Minutes following the 7.0 shock, a number of further apparent aftershocks with magnitudes ranging from 2.5 to 4.2 were also detected.

According to the USGS, a large apparent aftershock that recorded as a 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck Lake County, close to Cobb, California.

California Governor Responds

Governor Gavin Newsom said that The California Office of Emergency Services is responding to the earthquakes.

In a X post he wrote, “Officials with CAL_OES are actively responding to the earthquakes this morning in Northern California. Californians should follow guidance from local emergency responders.”