BREAKING: Two earthquakes rattled the Bay Area near Santa Rosa this afternoon, sending shockwaves through the community. A magnitude 4.0 quake struck at 3:30 p.m., just three miles from Santa Rosa, followed by a magnitude 3.1 tremor at 3:38 p.m., according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Residents across the region felt the quakes, which occurred at relatively shallow depths of 1.2 miles and 1.4 miles, respectively. The larger quake was located approximately four miles from Petaluma, seven miles from Sonoma, and thirteen miles from Napa. The second quake was reported two miles from Santa Rosa and five miles from Petaluma.
This seismic activity comes amidst heightened earthquake awareness, with the USGS noting an average of 25 earthquakes of magnitudes between 4.0 and 5.0 annually in California and Nevada. Just last week, there was another earthquake of magnitude 3.0 or greater in the vicinity.
Residents are encouraged to report their experiences to the USGS to assist in monitoring these events. The agency emphasizes the importance of earthquake preparedness, urging individuals to sign up for the Unshaken newsletter for vital safety tips and emergency strategies.
As communities assess the impact of these quakes, officials are closely monitoring the area for any aftershocks or further seismic activity. Stay tuned for updates as this situation develops.
If you felt these earthquakes, consider sharing your experience and ensure you are equipped with knowledge on what to do before and during an earthquake. For more information, visit latimes.com/Unshaken for resources on emergency preparedness and earthquake kits.
This is a developing story; we will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.
