6 PM KMUD News Emergency Update: Over 15,000 Reported Shaking from Magnitude 7.0 Earthquake Offshore Humboldt; Tsunami Warnings Lifted;

December 5, 2024

A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck approximately 60 miles off the Humboldt County coast at 10:44 a.m. on Thursday, December 5. The earthquake, originating on a strike-slip fault near the Mendocino Triple Junction, caused horizontal movement of the seafloor and prompted tsunami warnings across coastal areas. Over 15,000 reported shaking from Oregon to the Bay Area and east from Chico to Redding.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Eureka initially issued the warning due to the potential for a significant tsunami. Residents in low-lying areas were advised to evacuate. However, by early afternoon, the warnings were downgraded, and all evacuation orders were lifted when no substantial tsunami threat materialized.

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in response to the seismic activity, ensuring additional resources are available should the need arise. (Find the full proclamation here).

“We always encourage folks to take tsunami warnings seriously,” said James White, a meteorologist with the NWS in Eureka. “This event was a good reminder of the hazards we face living along this coastline and the importance of being prepared.”

As of 6:00 p.m. approximately 50 aftershocks have been recorded off the coast, ranging from magnitudes 2.0 to 5.0. According to experts, the likelihood of a larger tsunami remains low.

The USGS Earthquake map is pictured below:

Local Impacts

While the earthquake caused minor damage, no major infrastructure issues have been reported. Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal confirmed that no fatalities or injuries have been reported and that all major roadways remain open.

“There were instances of power outages and some minor damage, but thankfully, no catastrophic impacts,” Honsal said. “Residents responded appropriately to evacuation warnings, which is crucial in events like these.”

Approximately 500 Humboldt County residents remained without power by late afternoon, a significant improvement from the initial 10,000 outages. Megan McFarland, a spokesperson for PG&E, noted that crews are working to restore service.

“During earthquakes, we often see what we call ‘line slapping,’ where ground shaking causes power lines to make contact and trip circuits,” McFarland explained. “We’ve also inspected our gas system and critical facilities to ensure everything remains operational.”

In Shelter Cove, one of the towns closest to the epicenter, minor damage to water infrastructure was reported. “Our crews are working on repairs, but overall, the impact was minimal,” said Jack Hargrave, battalion chief of the Shelter Cove Fire Department.

Lessons from the Event

This earthquake serves as a reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness, especially in a region prone to seismic activity. Residents are encouraged to review their emergency plans and know evacuation routes, particularly those in tsunami-prone zones.

“Even though this quake didn’t generate a significant tsunami, it’s a good time to remind everyone to prepare,” said Sheriff Honsal. “If you’re in a tsunami zone, you need to know how to evacuate safely and quickly.”

Lauren Schmitt of KMUD News also spoke with College of the Redwoods students and local officials about the community’s response. Students were briefly held on campus during the tsunami warning, which one student described as “scary but ultimately well-handled.”

Mendocino County Sheriff Matt Kendall reported no major damages or injuries in his county but highlighted the importance of staying prepared. “We fared well this time, but earthquakes remind us to always have a plan, check on neighbors, and tune into reliable sources like KMUD News for updates,” he said.

As aftershocks continue to rattle the region, residents are urged to remain vigilant. Ready.gov and local resources like Living on Shaky Ground offer guidance on earthquake and tsunami preparedness.

7 PM UPDATE:

State Senate President Mike McGuire and Chris Rogers, 2nd District Assembly Member-elect, shared an update with our listeners;