Tsunami Warning Canceled After Magnitude 7.0 Earthquake Hits Northern California

A powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off northern California’s coast near Ferndale, Humboldt County, approximately 260 miles north of San Francisco, according to the US Geological Survey.

A tsunami warning initially issued for northern California and southern Oregon, affecting around 4.7 million residents, has since been canceled.

While no widespread damage has been reported, some residents experienced significant impacts.

Olivia Cobian, innkeeper at the Gingerbread Mansion Inn in Ferndale, described the damage as resembling a “warzone,” with heavy fireplaces shifted and items broken.

The earthquake, which struck at 10:44 a.m. local time (18:44 GMT), left over 10,000 residents without power and was followed by several aftershocks.

In response to the initial tsunami warning, areas like Berkeley issued evacuation orders, though the warning was later lifted.

Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed and is coordinating the state’s response.

Strong earthquakes are rare but not unprecedented in this tectonically active region, which has a history of significant seismic events.