Strong earthquake in California, millions of people warned of tsunami

A rare strong earthquake occurred in northern California (USA) on December 5, causing a tsunami warning for millions of people.

CNN quoted the announcement of the US Geological Survey (USGS) saying that the earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0 on the Richter scale occurred off the coast of Northern California on December 5. According to officials, such strong earthquakes are relatively rare and only about 15 occur on Earth each year.

People watch the waves near Ocean Beach in San Francisco after the earthquake

The National Tsunami Warning Center (US) issued a tsunami warning for parts of California and Oregon, with nearly 5 million people in the warning area. Some residents evacuated their homes but the warning was lifted shortly afterwards.

The epicenter was located in the Pacific Ocean, south of Eureka, the largest coastal city between San Francisco, California, and Portland, Oregon, and about 300 miles northwest of California's capital, Sacramento.

USGS geologist Stephen DeLong explains that the earthquake occurred when tectonic plates off the coast of California moved in opposite directions. The movement was likely horizontal rather than vertical, and it is vertical movement that typically causes tsunamis.

USGS data shows the earthquake caused severe shaking and was felt as far away as the San Francisco Bay Area.

Beach completely evacuated after earthquake and tsunami warning

According to PowerOutage.us , more than 3,000 customers in Humboldt County, California, closest to the epicenter, are still without power. About 10,000 homes and businesses were without power immediately after the quake. Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency to help provide resources. President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation and has directed officials to stay in touch with California and Oregon, ready to provide any assistance.

Eureka City Councilman Miles Slattery said the quake did not cause major damage, and although it lasted for a long time, it was not as strong as previous events. There were no reports of injuries or damage in San Francisco. One man in Eureka said he felt like he was on a boat because of the shaking that lasted about 30 seconds, according to CNN.

Seismologist Jeffrey Park said aftershocks were occurring near the epicenter but that a magnitude 7 earthquake was unlikely. However, he predicted that there could be a few smaller quakes.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/dong-dat-manh-tai-california-hang-trieu-nguoi-duoc-canh-bao-song-than-185241206064957085.htm