Earthquake hits California amid deadly wildfire

A 3.7 magnitude earthquake struck California, United States, on Friday morning, January 10, 2025, adding to the state’s ongoing challenges with devastating wildfires.

The tremor was detected near the San Francisco Bay Area at 7:02 am PT, with its epicenter approximately five miles southwest of the Golden Gate Bridge and two miles west of the Great Highway.

The quake was followed by a 2.2 magnitude aftershock four minutes later and a 2.5 magnitude tremor six minutes after the initial hit.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported that over 5,000 people in the area felt the shake, and the number of reports continues to grow.

This seismic activity occurred about 350 miles away from the Los Angeles area, where wildfires have caused widespread destruction.

In Los Angeles, at least 10 people have died in the fires, and 180,000 residents have been forced to evacuate.

Over 10,000 structures have been destroyed, with nearly 30,000 acres of land scorched.

Mayor Daniel Lurie commented on the situation, stating, “I ordered city government into action immediately this morning, and our first responders have been out across the city ensuring the safety of our residents. We have also been sharing information and giving people the tools to protect themselves and their families in an event like this.”

Despite the tremors, no injuries or damage have been reported from Friday’s earthquake.

The USGS had detected a 3.0 magnitude earthquake the day before, less than 100 miles from Friday’s epicenter, with additional smaller quakes occurring earlier in the week.

The earthquake disrupted San Francisco’s Muni subway service, as locals shared their experiences on social media.

Many reported that the shaking, although strong, lasted only for a second.

While California is familiar with the threat of earthquakes, scientists have warned that the region is overdue for a massive quake along the San Andreas Fault.

Experts predict that such an event could measure an 8.0 magnitude or higher, potentially causing 1,800 deaths and up to $200 billion in damage.

In the midst of these challenges, Los Angeles continues to fight raging wildfires, including the Kenneth Fire, which was allegedly started by an arsonist who has since been arrested.

Nighttime curfews have been enforced to curb looting, and the devastation remains immense, with entire blocks of Pacific Palisades and Malibu flattened to rubble.

The fires have been fueled by strong winds, though experts predict calmer weather conditions later in the day.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook