Magnitude 5.4 Earthquake Shakes Northern California, Jolt Felt in San Francisco
On Thursday afternoon, a magnitude 5.4 earthquake shook Northern California, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The earthquake occurred at 4:19 p.m. PT, and its center was about 2.5 miles southwest of the community of East Shore.
Although a brief jolt was felt in the San Francisco Bay area, there are no immediate reports of damage. The earthquake was followed by several aftershocks of magnitude 2.8, 2.6, and 2.5, according to the USGS.
The California Highway Patrol in Yuba-Sutter said the earthquake caused a disruption at the agency’s Chico dispatch center, and 911 lines were down. The agency advised people in the region to call 530-332-1200 as they work to fix the issue.
Reactions on Social Media
People reported feeling the earthquake across several counties, including Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, San Joaquin, Solano, Colusa, Nevada, Yolo, and Butte counties. Some residents shared their reactions on social media.
“Anyone else feel that earthquake? We sure did in downtown Sacramento,” tweeted Sactown Magazine, a local publication.
Understanding Earthquakes
Earthquakes are natural disasters that occur due to seismic activity in the Earth’s crust. Every year, there are about 500,000 earthquakes, and 100,000 of which can be felt on the Earth’s surface, according to the United States Geological Survey.
While it is impossible to predict when an earthquake will occur, there are safety precautions that can be taken to minimize the risk of injury or damage. These include seeking cover under a sturdy piece of furniture or getting to an open space away from buildings and trees if indoors during an earthquake.
Conclusion
Although the earthquake that occurred on Thursday was not particularly strong, it serves as a reminder of the potential danger of seismic activity. It is important to stay informed and prepared for such disasters, taking all necessary safety precautions to keep ourselves and our communities safe.
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