Northern California is no stranger to earthquakes. The region sits along the volatile Pacific "Ring of Fire," where seismic activity is frequent and sometimes devastating.
On Thursday, December 5, the earth shook again as a powerful 7.0-magnitude quake hit near the town of Eureka, according to Digi24.
The quake occurred at 10 kilometers depth, around 10:44 a.m. local time, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). A tsunami alert was issued shortly after, stretching from north of Santa Cruz to southern Oregon.
Residents received emergency notifications urging them to move to higher ground. “Strong waves and currents may impact coastal areas near you. You are at risk. Move away from the shore,” one warning read.
No Serious Damage
Authorities later lifted the alert, confirming no tsunami waves had formed. However, they urged coastal residents to remain cautious. Seismologists explained that quakes of this magnitude can still cause dangerous sea disturbances or aftershocks.
Reports from the area described intense shaking, but there were no immediate accounts of serious damage or injuries.
The quake served as a stark reminder of California’s seismic history.
The infamous 1906 San Francisco earthquake remains one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history. That event destroyed large parts of the city, left thousands dead, and displaced hundreds of thousands.
Thursday’s earthquake didn’t cause similar devastation, but the response showed how far preparedness has come.
Modern systems allowed for instant alerts and preventive measures. Local officials praised residents for their quick reactions, which likely helped avoid injuries.
While no major incidents were reported, the quake rattled nerves throughout the region. It also reignited discussions about earthquake readiness.
Scientists have long warned that the state is overdue for a major quake, often referred to as "the Big One."
