Pulling Earthquake and Aftershock Rock Northern California
A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck near Almanor, Plumas County, followed by a 5.2 aftershock, causing concerns among USGS scientists who are monitoring the chances of another earthquake occurring within the next week.
The initial earthquake, which occurred yesterday, made headlines on ABC 10 News at 5, while the aftershock took place around 3 a.m.
The Plumas Pines Resort experienced a terrifying moment as their business was shaken by the 5.5 magnitude quake.
The epicenter was located less than 10 miles from the popular Lake Almanor in Plumas County, causing widespread tremors felt as far away as San Francisco and the Sacramento area.
The USGS warns that when one earthquake hits, there is a 6% chance of a magnitude 5 aftershock occurring within a week.
This prediction was proven true when the 5.2 aftershock struck precisely 11 hours later, disturbing the sleep of many residents.
Robert Degroot from the USGS explains that it is possible for another quake to occur within the week, although the specific fault or cause is still being examined by the agency.
Despite the intensity of the earthquakes, there have been no reported damages in the city of Susanville, located at the epicenter.
In light of these seismic events, the USGS encourages residents to stay alert and take advantage of earthquake early warning systems such as the Alert app.
Over 100,000 people received alerts based on their location and the potential impact they could feel.
The system prioritizes alerts for individuals who might experience effects similar to a heavy truck passing by their homes, which could cause minor shaking or items falling off shelves.
It is important to note that California experiences approximately 50 earthquakes every day, most of which go unnoticed.
As scientists continue to monitor the situation, the possibility of additional earthquakes remains a concern.
Residents are advised to stay informed, prepared, and vigilant in the face of potential seismic activity.
