San Francisco Shudders as Massive Earthquake Shakes City

San Francisco Shudders as Massive Earthquake Shakes CitySan Francisco Shudders as Massive Earthquake Shakes City A powerful earthquake has rocked San Francisco, sending residents fleeing into the streets and causing widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure. The magnitude 6.9 quake struck just after 5:00 am local time, with its epicenter located in the Pacific Ocean, about 10 miles west of the city. Shaking was felt throughout the Bay Area, from San Jose to Marin County. In San Francisco, the quake caused widespread power outages, broken windows, and structural damage to buildings. The city’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge swayed violently, but there were no immediate reports of damage to the span. The San Francisco International Airport was temporarily closed due to damage to the runway and terminal buildings. BART, the city’s public transportation system, suspended service after several stations were damaged. Emergency responders were quickly deployed to search for possible victims and assess the damage. There have been reports of injuries, but the extent of the casualties is still unknown. “It was like the whole city was shaking,” said one resident who was awakened by the quake. “I grabbed my kids and ran outside as fast as I could.” Mayor London Breed urged residents to remain calm and follow safety instructions. “We are doing everything we can to respond to this emergency,” she said. “Please check on your loved ones and stay safe.” The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has issued a tsunami warning for the San Francisco Bay Area. Residents near the coast are advised to move to higher ground immediately. The earthquake is a reminder of the seismic vulnerability of the San Francisco Bay Area. The last major quake to hit the city was the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989, which had a magnitude of 6.9 and caused widespread damage. Seismologists warn that another major quake could strike the region at any time. The San Andreas Fault, which runs along the coast of California, is capable of producing an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.0 or higher.