California earthquake strikes near Santa Cruz; 4.6-magnitude temblor felt across Bay Area
A magnitude 4.6 earthquake struck in Santa Cruz County early Thursday morning, according to the United States Geological Survey.
The quake hit near Boulder Creek around 1:41 a.m., with a depth of about 6.2 miles, and was initially reviewed as a 4.9 magnitude. By 3 a.m., it had been downgraded to 4.6.
Residents near the epicenter of the quake and in San Ramon, Fremont, Burlingame and Los Gatos reported feeling strong shaking, according to the USGS.
Various Bay Area residents, including in Oakland, San Francisco, Berkeley, Milpitas, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, San Leandro, Dublin, and Richmond, reported feeling weak to light shaking, according to Did You Feel It Responses.
There are no reports of major damage or injuries. At a pharmacy in Boulder Creek, not far from the epicenter, some items fell off shelves.
The USGS said residents should expect possible aftershocks in the following days.
"There will likely be smaller aftershocks within the next week, with up to 9 magnitude 3 or higher aftershocks. Magnitude 3 and higher aftershocks are large enough to be felt nearby," the USGS said. "The number of aftershocks will decrease over time, but a large aftershock can temporarily increase the number of aftershocks."
According to their forecast, there is a 60% chance of a magnitude 3.0 or higher earthquake and a 14% chance of a 4.0 magnitude or higher quake happening within the next seven days. There is a low probability, 2% chance, of a magnitude 5 and above aftershock happening in the next week or of the initial quake becoming a foreshock to a magnitude 4.87 or greater quake, the USGS said.
"Our forecast changes as time passes, particularly during the first 72 hours after a mainshock. These changes happen because of three things: the usual decrease of aftershocks as time goes on, larger aftershocks that trigger more activity, and changes in forecast modeling due to ongoing data collection," the USGS said.
What to do during an earthquake?
According to ShakeOut, people should not wait to see if the earthquake shaking will be strong. They should immediately Drop, Cover and Hold on.
"Get under a desk or table and hang on to it ... or move into a hallway or against an inside wall. STAY CLEAR of windows, fireplaces, and heavy furniture or appliances," the USGS says. "GET OUT of the kitchen, which is a dangerous place (things can fall on you). DON'T run downstairs or rush outside while the building is shaking or while there is danger of falling and hurting yourself or being hit by falling glass or debris."
People who are outside should get into the open and away from buildings, power lines, and "anything else that might fall."
