A seismologist has issued a warning to residents along the coast of California and Oregon, emphasizing the importance of taking tsunami warnings seriously. Maureen Long, a professor of earth and planetary sciences at Yale University, stressed the need for awareness and precaution in the face of potential tsunami threats.
The National Tsunami Warning Center issued a warning following a powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Northern California. The warning area spans from Davenport, California, to Douglas/Lane Line, Oregon, affecting nearly 5 million people, including regions such as the San Francisco Bay area, Eureka, Fort Bragg, and Crescent City, California.
Forecasts indicate that tsunami activity is likely reaching the coastline at present. Long explained that the delay between the earthquake and potential tsunami impacts is due to the faster travel speed of earthquake waves compared to tsunami waves. While earthquake waves move swiftly, tsunami waves in the open ocean travel at a speed similar to that of a jet plane.
Long advised residents in the affected areas to stay away from the coastline and seek higher ground as a safety measure. By heeding these precautions and staying informed, individuals can better protect themselves in the event of a tsunami threat.
