The San Francisco Bay Area experienced an unsettling moment when a 3.7 magnitude earthquake struck near Millbrae, close to San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
The Earthquake’s Epicenter
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake had its epicenter approximately one mile northeast of Millbrae, not far from SFO. It struck at 6:38 p.m., causing alarm as it rippled through the area.
Originally, the earthquake was reported as a 4.0 magnitude event, but it was later downgraded to 3.7 by the USGS. While the shift in magnitude may offer some relief, it remains a significant reminder of the seismic activity that characterizes the Bay Area.
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Airport Operations
SFO quickly conducted runway inspections following the earthquake and, reassuringly, found no damage. Within a mere 20 minutes, the airport resumed normal operations, highlighting the preparedness in an area surrounded by seismic fault lines.
The Bay Area, with SFO at its heart, is particularly prone to seismic activity, residing between the San Andreas fault and the Hayward fault. This geological positioning makes it an active region for earthquakes. Although the 3.7 magnitude quake wasn’t a major event, it was a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity.
Extent of Impact
The earthquake’s impact was felt throughout the Bay Area, from San Rafael to San Jose. Residents reported different experiences; some felt a strong jolt, while others described it as a rolling motion followed by shaking. However, some individuals, even in close proximity to the epicenter, claimed they felt nothing at all.
BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) temporarily halted its services, reducing train speeds for track safety inspections. This safety precaution led to riders expecting delays of up to 20 minutes across the system. Additionally, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency undertook damage inspections.
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Community Preparedness
The San Francisco Department of Emergency Management reported no damage within the city following the earthquake. While California’s Earthquake Early Warning system detected the earthquake, no alerts were sent to cell phones via the MyShake app, as it requires a magnitude of 4.5 or higher for alerts.
While the 3.7 magnitude earthquake doesn’t raise immediate concerns, it serves as a crucial reminder of the unpredictable nature of seismic events. California experiences earthquakes of various magnitudes daily.
Nevertheless, it underscores the importance of earthquake preparedness, including creating an emergency supply kit, developing an earthquake response plan, and downloading the MyShake app for alerts during strong seismic events.
Stay Ready for the Unknown
The Bay Area’s brush with this recent earthquake emphasizes the need for vigilance and readiness, given the area’s susceptibility to seismic activity.
As Robert de Groot, a Shake Alert operations team lead with the Geological Survey, aptly puts it, “All of California is earthquake country, so it’s not a matter of if there’s going to be another earthquake, it’s a matter of when.” Therefore, staying prepared and informed is paramount in this earthquake-prone region.