Post by : Badri Ariffin

Early Thursday, residents of Northern California were jolted awake by a magnitude 4.6 earthquake that reverberated across a significant area, including San Francisco. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the quake hit at roughly 1:40 a.m., its epicenter situated about one mile (1.6 kilometers) from Boulder Creek in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Many reported the sensation of their homes shaking for several seconds, with feedback coming from a 100-mile (161-kilometer) radius. Boulder Creek, a small community with a population near 5,000, lies approximately 65 miles (105 kilometers) southeast of San Francisco and was the nearest place to the epicenter. Residents as far north as Petaluma, located about 40 miles (64 kilometers) from San Francisco, also felt the tremor.

Numerous individuals said they were first informed by earthquake alerts on their smartphones before noticing the vibrations through their beds and windows.

Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of serious damage or injuries.

This incident is part of a trend of seismic occurrences in the area. Earlier in February, the San Francisco Bay Area experienced a spate of minor earthquakes, the strongest of which reached magnitude 4.2 near San Ramon. Experts have noted that the east of San Francisco has witnessed “earthquake swarms”—multiple smaller quakes happening in close succession—over the years.

Seismologists are continuing to monitor the area for potential aftershocks, reminding residents to remain ready for minor quakes.

#Global News #Earthquake