The U.S.G.S. called it a “notable quake,” but described the intensity of shaking from the earthquake as weak to moderate. The agency said that about 18,000 people across the Bay Area and beyond had reported that they felt the earthquake.
The earthquake struck around 11:42 a.m. local time, about nine miles east of Seven Trees, a neighborhood in San Jose, Calif. It was followed about five minutes later by a 3.1-magnitude aftershock, U.S.G.S data shows.
The earthquake, which likely occurred along the Calaveras Fault, struck late Tuesday morning about nine miles east of Seven Trees, a neighborhood in San Jose, Calif.
A 5.1-magnitude earthquake rattled the San Francisco Bay Area on Tuesday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.
People felt the earthquake from Central California north to Sacramento and Sonoma County, Annemarie Baltay, a seismologist, said in a video issued by the U.S.G.S.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the initial temblor struck at 11:42 a.m. with an epicenter near Mt. Hamilton along the Calaveras Fault with a second jolt at 11:46 a.m. Then a 3.5 aftershock rattled the region at 3:08 p.m. and a magnitude 2.8 temblor struck at 5:20 p.m.
Dr. Annemarie Baltay from the USGS said the Calaveras Fault system is very seismically active.
“Numerous moderate earthquakes have happened in the area including the 6.2 magnitude Morgan Hill earthquake in 1984,” she said.
According to the USGS forecast, there is a 2% chance of one or more aftershocks that are larger than magnitude 5, which can be damaging, within the next week.
Many people also received advanced notification seconds before the quake happened via the MyShake smartphone app developed at the University of California at Berkeley, according to the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services
A readily-accessible earthquake survival kit is essential, but so is keeping it up-to-date with fresh supplies. Your kit should be large, sturdy and situated off the floor in a secure location with a cool temperature. Make replenishing your earthquake survival kit a twice-yearly habit that coincides with holidays, birthdays, time changes or another easily remembered schedule, and make sure it.
Blankets and Sleeping Bags – A warm, clean supply of blankets and pillows or sleeping bags for each family member may be needed if your home sustains injury from the earthquake or if you need to evacuate.
Cash or Traveler’s Checks – An earthquake may temporarily eliminate or disrupt ATM service, particularly if there is a full-scale power outage. If possible, have enough cash or traveler’s checks on hand to buy gas or added supplies as needed. The standard rule of thumb is $500 to $1,000.
Medications and Medical Supplies – A one-week’s supply of the prescription and over-the-counter medications needed by every household member should be stored in sealed, waterproof pouches. Keep an eye on expiration dates and swap out anything that is approaching its end date. Extra pairs of prescription eye glasses should also be included in your earthquake survival kit as well as any life-saving equipment needed, such as nebulizers. A well-stocked first aid kit stocked with antibacterial swabs, lotion bandages and band aids is also a must.
Utensils and Home Supplies – Can openers, cooking supplies, mess kits and Swiss Army knives are an essential part of any earthquake preparedness kit. You should also have a one-week supply of disposable utensils and paper goods, such as:
Knives, forks and spoons
Napkins, toilet paper and paper towels
Paper cups for hot and cold beverages
Two kinds of wet wipes, those designed for personal use and those containing bleach for home-cleaning purposes
Matches in a waterproof pouch or other fire starter such as a flint rod
Garbage bags
Personal hygiene items, such as sanitary napkins, tampons, diapers and soap
Oral hygiene supplies, including toothbrushes, toothpaste and dental floss
Dish soap, detergent and steel wool
Water – A one-week supply of water for all household members, including pets, is an earthquake survival kit essential. The standard rule of thumb is one gallon of water per day for each individual. This will provide ample water for drinking, cleaning and rudimentary hygiene if you are stranded or without services after the earthquake takes place.
Water Purifier Tablets and Chlorine Bleach – If the water supply becomes contaminated as a result of the earthquake, or if you opt to use a water supply you are unsure of such as a lake or river, water purifier tablets will eliminate most, though not necessarily all types of bacteria. Plain, unscented chlorine bleach with no added cleaners can also disinfect water when 16 drops are added to one gallon. Have a sterilized eye dropper stored and available with the bleach for this purpose. Neither system will eliminate salt from ocean water, which should never be ingested.