On December 5, 2024, Northern California’s coastline was struck by a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0. The epicenter was located approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) west of Petrolia in Humboldt County, at a depth of 10 kilometers. The quake was felt across large parts of Northern California, extending even into the Central Valley.
Following the earthquake, the National Weather Service issued a tsunami warning for the northern coastal areas of California and Oregon. However, this warning was quickly lifted as no significant tsunami activity was detected.
In Humboldt County, over 10,000 households lost power. In the Eel River Valley, some homes were knocked off their foundations. In Ferndale, damages to homes were minor, although there were reports of cracked roads and a gas leak at a high school in Rio Dell. Fortuna also experienced light damage. Many stores reported fallen goods and damaged inventory.
Governor Gavin Newsom assured the public that state emergency services were actively responding to the situation. He declared a state of emergency for Del Norte, Humboldt, and Mendocino counties to support relief efforts.
This earthquake is the largest to hit California since the Ridgecrest earthquakes in 2019 and the strongest in the state’s northwestern coastal region since 2005. The Cape Mendocino area is known for seismic activity due to the Mendocino Triple Junction, where three tectonic plates converge.
Fortunately, no severe injuries or fatalities were reported. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and provide assistance to affected communities.
