UPDATE: Two powerful earthquakes have just rattled the Bay Area, with the first recorded at a magnitude of 4.0 near Santa Rosa on October 15, 2023. The seismic activity struck at 3:30 p.m., only to be followed by a magnitude 3.1 tremor just eight minutes later at 3:38 p.m.
The first quake was located approximately three miles from Santa Rosa, while the second hit slightly closer, two miles from the city. Residents in nearby areas, including Petaluma, Sonoma, and Napa, are likely to have felt the impact, as these quakes occurred within a short radius of their locations.
Seismologists from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed that the larger quake reached a depth of 1.2 miles, while the smaller tremor was recorded at a depth of 1.4 miles. In the past ten days alone, there has been one additional earthquake of magnitude 3.0 or greater in the vicinity, indicating an uptick in seismic activity.
This recent series of earthquakes highlights the ongoing risk of seismic events in California, which experiences an average of 25 earthquakes with magnitudes between 4.0 and 5.0 each year, according to the latest data. Community members are urged to stay alert and prepared.
Did you feel these earthquakes? Residents are encouraged to report their experiences to the USGS to help monitor seismic impacts. For more information on earthquake preparedness, consider signing up for the Unshaken newsletter, which offers step-by-step emergency preparedness tips over six weeks. Learn essential aspects such as earthquake kits and safety apps at latimes.com/Unshaken.
As authorities continue to monitor the situation, all eyes are on potential aftershocks. Residents should remain vigilant and stay tuned to official updates as further developments unfold. Prepare now, and stay safe!
