In a difficult turn of events, a 3.7 magnitude earthquake struck California on Friday morning, further compounding the state’s already severe challenges with devastating wildfires.
The tremor, which struck at 7:02 AM PT, was centered near the San Francisco Bay Area, roughly five miles southwest of the Golden Gate Bridge and two miles west of the Great Highway. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the event and indicated that more than 5,000 residents in the area reported feeling the shake, with that number expected to rise.
The earthquake was followed by a series of aftershocks, including a 2.2 magnitude tremor just four minutes later and a 2.5 magnitude shake six minutes after the initial quake. Fortunately, no significant damage or injuries were reported, despite the heightened seismic activity.
This seismic event occurred around 350 miles away from the heart of the wildfire devastation in Los Angeles. The ongoing wildfires in the region have claimed at least 10 lives, forced 180,000 residents to evacuate, and destroyed over 10,000 structures. Nearly 30,000 acres have been scorched in the fires.
Los Angeles Mayor Daniel Lurie addressed the situation, stating, “I ordered city government into action immediately this morning, and our first responders have been out across the city ensuring the safety of our residents.” He emphasized the importance of public awareness and provided resources for citizens to protect themselves in such emergencies.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Geological Survey had detected a smaller 3.0 magnitude earthquake just the day before, less than 100 miles from the epicenter of Friday's quake, with a series of smaller tremors recorded earlier in the week.
In San Francisco, the earthquake caused a temporary disruption to the Muni subway service. Local residents, such as Nadia Rahman, took to social media to share their experiences, with Rahman describing it as the most significant earthquake she had felt in the city. Though the tremors were felt widely, many described them as short-lived but strong.
Despite the seismic tremors, the situation in Los Angeles remains critical, particularly as the Kenneth Fire continues to ravage the area. Authorities have arrested an individual suspected of starting the fire, while authorities have imposed night-time curfews to combat looting in affected regions. Entire blocks, particularly in Pacific Palisades and Malibu, have been reduced to rubble.
As California faces this dual crisis, experts are reminding residents that the state remains overdue for a massive earthquake along the San Andreas Fault. Scientists predict that such an event could reach a magnitude of 8.0 or higher, with the potential for catastrophic loss, including 1,800 lives and damages exceeding $200 billion.
Despite the ongoing turmoil, authorities remain hopeful as weather forecasts predict calmer conditions, which could help reduce the intensity of the fires in the coming days.
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