Residents around San Jose and the wider San Francisco Bay Area were jolted awake in the early hours of Monday by a moderate earthquake that briefly rattled homes and startled pets.
The 4.6 magnitude quake struck at 2:56am, occurring at a depth of 7.8 kilometers (4.8 miles), according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
While the quake caused momentary panic, early reports suggest there was no serious damage or injuries, though the tremor served as a reminder of the region’s seismic risks.
Epicenter Near UC Berkeley
Initial estimates from the LA Times placed the epicenter near the corner of Dwight Way and Piedmont Avenue, close to the University of California, Berkeley campus.
The quake was felt as far away as the San Francisco International Airport, with early warning apps alerting residents across the Bay.
Communities including Walnut Creek, Martinez, Alameda, and San Francisco reported feeling the shaking.
According to the San Francisco Fire Department, there were no immediate reports of injuries or structural damage in the city.
Minor Chaos and Precautions
While the city avoided serious harm, the San Francisco Chronicle described light but unsettling consequences: “toothbrushes toppled and pets were scared.”
Authorities urged residents to remain cautious of potential aftershocks and to inspect for hazards such as gas leaks.
A green alert was issued for potential shaking-related fatalities and economic losses, but a tsunami was not expected.
Seismic Risks and Aftershocks
Geologists warn that even small earthquakes can sometimes precede larger tremors.
The USGS estimates there is roughly a five percent chance of a stronger quake striking within three days of a minor one.
In this case, experts emphasized that the likelihood of casualties or serious damage remains low.
The San Jose earthquake occurred along the Hayward Fault line, a known seismic hotspot, ABC7 News reported.
Recent Quakes in the Bay Area and Beyond
This latest quake comes just days after a smaller 3.5 magnitude tremor struck east of Clayton last Monday at 3pm, with a depth of four miles. Residents reported light shaking but no notable damage.
Meanwhile, seismic activity elsewhere has also made headlines.
Just three days later, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake off Russia’s east coast triggered tsunami alerts in Alaska and Hawaii.
That event generated more than a dozen aftershocks ranging from 4.8 to 5.6 magnitude, with officials warning of potential coastal flooding in low-lying areas near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.
Staying Alert and Prepared
As the Bay Area shakes off this latest tremor, authorities continue to remind residents to stay vigilant, check safety measures, and be prepared for possible aftershocks in the coming days.
This is breaking news, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.