7-magnitude earthquake in the USA/ Tsunami warning is issued

2024-12-05 20:59:27, Kosova & Bota CNA

A powerful earthquake was felt across northern California on December 5 and authorities have issued a tsunami warning.

According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake was 7 on the Richter scale and struck at a depth of 10 kilometers.

The earthquake struck at 10:44 a.m. local time. The epicenter was west of Ferndale, a small town in Humboldt County near the Oregon border, the US Geological Survey said.

The tremors were felt as far away as San Francisco, where residents said the tremors lasted for several seconds.

Authorities in San Francisco have shut down traffic through an underwater channel that connects San Francisco to Oakland.

7-magnitude earthquake in the USA/ Tsunami warning is issued

In a tsunami warning for northern California, the US National Weather Service said:

"A series of powerful waves and strong water currents may affect coasts near you. You are at risk. Get away from coastal waters. Go to places that are higher and farther from the coast. Do not go near the coast until local officials they are notified to the contrary".

At least 5.3 million people in California are in the area where authorities have issued a tsunami warning. The US Geological Survey said it expects minor damage from the tremors.

More than 1.3 million inhabitants live near the area where the earthquake was felt, this service estimated.

After the first earthquake, smaller aftershocks were also reported./ REL

7-magnitude earthquake in the USA/ Tsunami warning is issued