A magnitude 3.7 earthquake struck Hayward, California, shortly before 2 p.m. on Thursday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). This quake was part of a series of tremors that began earlier in the day, including smaller quakes measuring 2.7, 3.3, and 3.2, all occurring within a span of a few hours. The epicenter of these quakes was located about one mile east of Hayward, a city situated in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area.
The first tremor of the day hit at 5:03 a.m., followed by the subsequent quakes at 11:52 a.m. and 11:54 a.m. The depths of these earthquakes varied, with the initial quake at approximately 3.3 miles deep, the second at 3.5 miles, the third at 3.8 miles, and the largest quake at 4.4 miles beneath the surface.
Approximately 4,000 residents reported feeling the strongest quake, which caused light shaking in Hayward and was also felt in nearby areas, including Vallejo to the north and Sunnyvale and San Jose to the south. While the shaking was relatively mild, it served as a reminder of the seismic activity that is common in California.
The Hayward fault, which runs through densely populated areas of the Bay Area, poses a significant risk for larger earthquakes. Though it may not be as widely recognized as the San Andreas fault, experts have highlighted the potential dangers associated with the Hayward fault in previous reports.
According to data from the USGS, California and Nevada experience an average of 234 earthquakes each year with magnitudes between 3.0 and 4.0. This latest series of quakes underscores the importance of earthquake preparedness in a region known for its seismic activity.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about earthquake safety and preparedness measures, as the region remains at risk for future seismic events.