Introduction to the Earthquake

An earthquake has rattled the San Francisco Bay Area, strong enough to awaken people across the region. The earthquake, which occurred Monday at 2:56 a.m., was estimated at a magnitude 4.3, centered in Berkeley. A preliminary estimate suggested the earthquake was centered around the corner of Dwight Way and Piedmont Avenue, just a few blocks from the UC Berkeley campus.

Earthquake Details

“Light” shaking was felt from Monday’s earthquake across Berkeley, Oakland and San Francisco, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, an intensity defined by the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale. Other areas that saw “light” shaking include Albany, Alameda, San Leandro, Piedmont, Orinda, Lafayette, Walnut Creek and Richmond. “Light” shaking can disturb dishes and windows, and feel like a heavy truck has struck a building, and rock standing motor cars visibly.

Effects and Response

There were no immediate reports of damage. The epicenter of the earthquake was located near the Hayward fault. The Hayward fault is one of the most feared in the San Francisco Bay Area, running for 74 miles through the East Bay and into San José. The Hayward fault’s biggest earthquake in modern history occurred in 1868, when a magnitude 7 earthquake ruptured on the fault, probably between Fremont’s Warm Springs neighborhood all the way to Berkeley, according to the California Geological Survey.

Historical Significance and Potential Risks

A report by the U.S. Geological Survey estimates that at least 800 people could be killed and 18,000 more injured in a hypothetical magnitude 7 earthquake that ruptures 52 miles of the Hayward fault between Fremont and San Pablo Bay. As many as 2,500 people could need to be rescued from collapsed buildings, and 22,000 people could be trapped in elevators. Monday’s earthquake was felt as far away as Santa Rosa to Santa Cruz.

Earthquake Early Warning System

The earthquake activated the MyShake earthquake early warning app, powered by the U.S. Geological Survey’s ShakeAlert system. Some people said they felt the earthquake at around the same time as the earthquake early warning app sounded on their phone, helping to confirm that the shaking they felt was an earthquake. In Alameda, Laura Sonido woke up to the earthquake, feeling shaking initially for about five seconds, followed by another strong jolt and a few more seconds of shaking. “It was strong enough to where I could hear my windows rattling,” Sonido said. “Nothing broke in the house, but the mirrored bathroom cabinets swung open. Thankfully, nothing spilled out.” A listener in the Oakland Hills told KCBS-AM radio that his dishes had spilled across the floor.

Preparing for Future Earthquakes

There is a 4% chance that there will be another magnitude 4 or greater earthquake in the next week, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. There is also a less than a 1% chance of an aftershock of an earthquake of magnitude 5 or greater, which can be damaging, over the next week. Did you feel this earthquake? Consider reporting what you felt to the USGS. Find out what to do before, and during, an earthquake near you by signing up for our Unshaken newsletter, which breaks down emergency preparedness into bite-sized steps over six weeks. Learn more about earthquake kits, which apps you need, Lucy Jones’ most important advice and more at latimes.com/Unshaken.

Conclusion

The recent magnitude 4.3 earthquake in the San Francisco Bay Area serves as a reminder of the seismic activity in the region and the importance of being prepared for earthquakes. Understanding the potential risks and taking proactive steps can help mitigate the impact of future earthquakes.

FAQs

• Q: What was the magnitude of the earthquake that occurred in the San Francisco Bay Area?
  A: The earthquake had a magnitude of 4.3.
• Q: Where was the earthquake centered?
  A: The earthquake was centered in Berkeley, near the corner of Dwight Way and Piedmont Avenue.
• Q: What areas experienced "light" shaking from the earthquake?
  A: Areas that experienced "light" shaking include Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco, Albany, Alameda, San Leandro, Piedmont, Orinda, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, and Richmond.
• Q: Is there a risk of another significant earthquake in the near future?
  A: According to the U.S. Geological Survey, there is a 4% chance of another magnitude 4 or greater earthquake in the next week, and less than a 1% chance of an aftershock of magnitude 5 or greater.
• Q: How can I prepare for earthquakes?
  A: You can prepare by signing up for earthquake newsletters, learning about earthquake kits, downloading necessary apps, and following expert advice on emergency preparedness.