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Videos capture today’s earthquake and tsunami warning in California

A strong earthquake shook northern California, United States, triggering a tsunami alert that mobilized residents

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The morning of this Thursday, December 5, a strong earthquake shook northern California, United States, triggering a tsunami alert that mobilized residents and authorities. On social media, users from different parts of the state and the world shared shocking images and videos showing the effects of the earthquake and the ensuing concern.

With a preliminary magnitude of 7.3, the earthquake’s epicenter was near Petrolia, California, and was felt in cities like San Francisco, Oakland, and Alameda. This event has been widely documented on platforms such as Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram, where residents captured unique moments of the shaking and the first signs of the tsunami.

ALSO READ: 7.0 Earthquake Strikes California! Here’s What We Know

What caused the tsunami alert message on mobile phones?

One of the biggest concerns among California residents was the alert message sent to thousands of mobile phones, warning that coastal residents should evacuate due to a possible tsunami flooding. This message, issued by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), was sent not only to people in the danger zone but also to others outside the affected area, leading to confusion.

Some social media users reported receiving the notification despite being hundreds of miles from the epicenter, which sparked criticism about the alert system’s accuracy.

Where was the earthquake’s epicenter in California?

The earthquake occurred at 10:45 a.m., with an epicenter located near Petrolia, about 50 miles from Eureka and 42 miles west-southwest of Ferndale. This location is known for being at the intersection of the Pacific and North American tectonic plates, a seismically active zone.

Moments later, a second earthquake of magnitude 5.8 was recorded nearby, followed by multiple aftershocks. These additional tremors complicated the immediate assessment of damage, although no fatalities or major structural damage have been reported so far.

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What measures were taken after the tsunami alert in California?

Due to the earthquake’s magnitude, the USGS issued a tsunami alert affecting coastal areas from California to Oregon. Authorities recommended that people evacuate to higher ground and avoid approaching the coast. The first tsunami waves were expected to reach the San Francisco Bay around noon.

The measures implemented included:

  • Suspension of public transportation: The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system suspended operations in the Transbay Tube as a precaution.
  • Local evacuations: The city of Berkeley issued an evacuation order for areas like West Berkeley.
  • Institution closures: The San Francisco Zoo and several schools in the region announced the suspension of activities until further notice.

How long will the tsunami alert remain in effect?

Shortly before 2:30 p.m., authorities lifted the tsunami alert that covered the coastal region from Davenport, California, to the Douglas/Lane Line in Oregon.

What was the aftermath of the earthquake in California?

Although authorities have stated that no significant material damage or casualties have been reported so far, emergency teams continue to assess the situation. The aftershocks following the earthquake and the tsunami risk keep residents and authorities on high alert.

Videos of the earthquake and tsunami in California

Videos shared on social media reveal the intensity of the experience. Among the most widely shared scenes are images of water spilling out of swimming pools; lamps and furniture shaking violently. In offices and homes, users recorded how hanging lamps swayed violently while furniture and objects fell to the ground.

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Laura Islas

Laura Islas

SEO. Periodista. Le voy al Cruz Azul. Runner. Fotografía. Literatura, periodismo y gatos. Me gusta contar historias. No sé vivir sin un libro. [email protected] @ella_laquesefue

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