Small Quakes, Big Reminder

Did you feel the earthquakes last Thursday? According to the U.S. Geological Survey, four were centered just over a mile east of Hayward near Castro Valley, prompting officials to remind residents to prepare for all types of emergencies. 

The first temblor struck with a 2.7-magnitude just after 5 a.m. Two more struck right before noon, with a 3.4-magnitude quake hitting at 11:52 a.m. and a 3.2-magnitude quake striking at 11:54 a.m. 

The fourth quake registered a 3.7-magnitude just before 2 p.m. 

Later that afternoon, around 4:45 p.m., a fifth quake (2.5-magnitude) struck about three miles west of Pleasant Hill. USGS officials are investigating any connection between the two locations. 

People reported feeling the quakes across the Bay Area, including San Francisco.

The Hayward fault experiences a major quake about every 150 years on average. The last big 1868 quake occurred 157 years ago. The fault spans from San Pablo Bay in the north to Fremont in the south. It runs under the cities of Berkeley, Oakland, and Hayward before connecting to the longer Calaveras fault.

Earthquakes with a magnitude around 3.0 are considered minor and are typically felt by many but rarely cause damage. 

State Farm Agent Todd Anglin reminded clients to be prepared, as you never know when the next big earthquake will strike. 

“We know they happen here, so It’s a good time to stay prepared and ensure there are plans in place in case there are more (or larger earthquakes),” Anglin says. “Remember to always check for gas leaks after sizable quakes, too.” 

Emergency officials suggest families plan meeting points, store portable food, and water, know what to take for their pets, include medicines and warm blankets, and pack a “go bag” with clothes and important information in case of an evacuation.