Earthquake Shakes San Francisco Bay Area
A noticeable earthquake rattled communities across California's Bay Area on Thursday morning, sending tremors through neighbourhoods situated close to one of the West Coast's most dangerous geological features.
The seismic event, which occurred at 10:27 am ET, was registered by the US Geological Survey (USGS) as a 3.2 magnitude quake. Its epicentre was located less than 25 miles from the city of San Francisco, a major metropolitan area home to over 800,000 residents.
Location and Immediate Impact
The town of Danville was identified as the quake's epicentre. According to official reports from the USGS, more than 300 people in the immediate vicinity reported feeling the ground shake.
The quake's proximity to several densely populated centres raised alarm. It was centred just 12 miles from Concord, 19 miles from Oakland, and 31 miles from San Jose. Combined, these three communities are home to a population exceeding 1.5 million people, highlighting the widespread potential impact of even a moderate seismic event in the region.
Ongoing Situation and Regional Context
This event is a developing story, and further details are anticipated. The Bay Area is crisscrossed with significant fault lines, including the notorious San Andreas Fault, making it one of the most seismically active regions in the United States.
The US Geological Survey continues to monitor the situation, providing critical data and updates to the public and emergency services. Residents are reminded of the importance of being prepared for aftershocks and larger seismic events.
