A powerful earthquake of 7.0 magnitude shook Northern California on December 5, jolting communities from the Oregon border to San Francisco. The temblor, which struck at 10:44 a.m. near Ferndale in coastal Humboldt County, prompted a brief but urgent tsunami warning for approximately 5.3 million people along the U.S. West Coast.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the epicenter was about 130 miles south of the Oregon border. The earthquake was felt as far away as San Francisco, 270 miles to the south. Residents described the effect as a rolling motion that lasted several seconds. In the immediate aftermath, smaller aftershocks were experienced throughout the region.
Tsunami Warning for Coastal Life
The National Weather Service quickly issued a tsunami warning, covering nearly 500 miles of coastline from Monterey Bay to southern Oregon. Residents in that region received alerts stating, “A series of powerful waves and strong currents may impact coasts near you. You are in danger. Get away from coastal waters. Move to high ground or inland now. Keep away from the coast until local officials say it is safe to return.”
In Santa Cruz, authorities cordoned off beaches with police tape while cars jammed highways leading to higher ground. Crescent City Supervisor Valerie Starkey described her initial confusion during the quake. “I thought my axles had fallen apart,” she said. Alarms sounded before shaking began, and the city’s cultural center creaked ominously as the quake subsided.
The tsunami warning was lifted after roughly an hour. Although this eased tensions, it left behind disrupted routines and shaken residents.
Local Impacts and Quick Reactions
Ferndale, a small town known for its historic charm and proximity to redwood forests, bore the brunt of the quake. Julie Kreitzer, owner of Golden Gait Mercantile, recounted the chaos. “It was a strong quake. Our building shook. We’re fine, but I have a mess to clean up right now,” she said.
In Eureka, the region’s largest city, Mayor Kim Bergel reported swaying lights and frightened children at her workplace, a middle school. “The kids were so great and terrified. It seemed to go back and forth for quite a long time,” she said. Some children asked, “Can I call my mom?” Students were sent home as officials assessed potential damages.
In Arcata, students and faculty at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, sheltered in place as a precaution. Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal noted minor structural damages, including cracked foundations and broken windows, but emphasized there were no reports of severe destruction.
Earthquake Preparedness Tested
The quake serves as a reminder of the seismic volatility in the northwest corner of California, where three tectonic plates converge. Renowned seismologist Lucy Jones explained on social media that the area’s seismic activity makes it prone to such events.
Although the temblor on December 5 caused no immediate major damage or injuries, its force rivaled the 2019 Ridgecrest earthquake, which registered a similar magnitude. The strike-slip nature of the quake, characterized by horizontal ground movement, reduced the likelihood of a tsunami, explained Corina Allen, tsunami program manager for the National Weather Service.
The incident echoed past disasters like the tsunami of 1964, triggered by an Alaskan earthquake, which devastated Crescent City and killed 12 people. More recently, a tsunami from Japan’s 2011 earthquake caused $100 million in damages along California’s coastal region.
Federal and State Support Mobilized
Federal and California state officials moved swiftly to respond to the event. President Joe Biden received a briefing on the situation, and FEMA coordinated with state and local agencies. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency to expedite resources immediately to the impacted areas.
Crews in Eureka began inspections for structural damages. The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system temporarily halted trains to ensure safety. San Francisco Zoo evacuated visitors as a precaution.
Sheriff Honsal struck a calm tone, reflecting the region’s resilience. “We’re used to it. It is known as ‘earthquake country’ up here,” he said. “It was a slow roller, but significant,” he added.
A Call for Preparedness
For the residents of Northern California, this earthquake served as a stark reminder of the region’s seismic reality. Though relatively unscathed, the event has disrupted lives and sparked conversations about preparedness for future earthquakes.
