The quake was first called a 6.6, but the USGS later bumped it up to a 7.0. Not long after, a big aftershock hit near Cobb, California, in Lake County, clocking in at 5.8, according to the USGS. A bunch of smaller aftershocks followed right after the 7.0, ranging from 2.5 to 4.2 on the scale.
A Brief History of Earthquakes in and Near Eureka, California
Eureka, California, sits near the Mendocino Triple Junction, a tectonically active area where the Pacific, North American, and Gorda plates converge. Over the past 50 years, the region has experienced several significant earthquakes, highlighting its seismic vulnerability.
1. 1980 Eureka Earthquake
Date: November 8, 1980
Magnitude: 7.2
Details: This offshore earthquake, centered about 60 kilometers west of Patrick's Point, caused severe shaking in Eureka, resulting in broken windows, collapsed chimneys, and a damaged overpass south of Fields Landing.
2. 1992 Cape Mendocino Earthquakes
Dates: April 25-26, 1992
Magnitudes: 7.2, 6.5, and 6.6
Details: A series of earthquakes near Cape Mendocino caused widespread damage in Humboldt County, including landslides and structural failures. These events were among the most significant seismic occurrences in the area during the 1990s.
3. 2010 Offshore Northern California Earthquake
Date: January 9, 2010
Magnitude: 6.5
Details: This earthquake occurred about 33 miles offshore from Eureka, causing power outages, minor injuries, and damage to buildings, but no fatalities.
4. 2022 Ferndale Earthquake
Date: December 20, 2022
Magnitude: 6.4
Details: Striking near Ferndale, about 10 miles from Eureka, this earthquake caused two fatalities and significant damage, especially in nearby Rio Dell.
These earthquakes illustrate the persistent seismic activity in and around Eureka, underlining the importance of preparedness and robust infrastructure in earthquake-prone regions.
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