An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.0 struck off the coast near Eureka, California, causing concern but fortunately not resulting in significant damage, according to city manager Miles Slattery. The quake hit about 60 miles southwest of Ferndale, with Eureka located approximately 19 miles north of the epicenter.
Despite the powerful nature of the earthquake, Slattery noted that there have been no reports of broken gas lines or major structural damage in Eureka so far. The city was briefly under a tsunami warning following the quake, leading to evacuations in certain areas. However, the warning has since been lifted.
Slattery mentioned that due to the evacuation process, they have not yet been able to conduct thorough assessments of any potential damage. However, based on initial reports, the impact seems to be less severe compared to previous earthquakes that have struck the region.
This recent earthquake comes after a series of seismic events in the area. In December 2022, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake hit the Eureka region, resulting in casualties and significant damage to infrastructure. Less than two weeks later, a 5.4 magnitude quake occurred south of Eureka, further rattling residents.
While the community remains vigilant in the face of seismic activity, the prompt response to the latest earthquake in Eureka has helped mitigate potential harm. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of residents in the region.