Powerful Earthquake Shakes Northern California and Prompts Swift Emergency Response

On December 5, 2024, a powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck the coastline of Northern California. The epicenter lay about 100 kilometers (62 miles) west of Petrolia in Humboldt County, at a depth of 10 kilometers. Tremors shook a vast area, reaching well into the Central Valley.

Immediately after the quake, the National Weather Service issued a tsunami warning for coastal regions in Northern California and southern Oregon. However, they quickly lifted the alert when no significant tsunami activity followed.

The earthquake caused widespread disruption. Over 10,000 households in Humboldt County lost power. In the Eel River Valley, the force of the tremor knocked several homes off their foundations. Meanwhile, in Ferndale, residents reported minor structural damage. In Rio Dell, the quake cracked several roads and triggered a gas leak at a local high school. Fortuna experienced light damage as well. Additionally, many stores across the region dealt with fallen goods and damaged inventory.

In response to the disaster, Governor Gavin Newsom mobilized state emergency services without delay. He also declared a state of emergency for Del Norte, Humboldt, and Mendocino counties to speed up relief and recovery efforts.

This earthquake stands out as the most powerful to hit California since the Ridgecrest sequence in 2019. It’s also the strongest to impact the state’s northwestern coastal region since 2005. The Cape Mendocino area, where the quake originated, frequently experiences seismic activity due to the Mendocino Triple Junction—where three tectonic plates collide.

Fortunately, no severe injuries or fatalities occurred. Authorities continue to assess the damage, support residents, and monitor ongoing aftershocks.