Earthquake of 4.9 magnitude jolts Bay area near US' San Jose

An earthquake of magnitude 4.9 struck US’ South Bay and Santa Cruz Mountains area on Thursday (Apr 2). The residents were jolted awake. As per the United States Geological Survey (USGC), the quake’s epicentre was Boulder Creek. remors were felt across the Bay Areain Walnut Creek, Alameda, San Francisco and even up in the North. The USGS reported that the tremor occurred at 1:41 a.m. local time, centred approximately 11 miles northwest of Santa Cruz and roughly 19 miles southwest of downtown San Jose.

No reports of major injuries or significant structural damage have been reported as yet. However, the timing of the quake led to widespread power flutters and triggered thousands of automated smartphone alerts via the ShakeAlert system, providing many residents with a few seconds of warning before the secondary waves arrived. Shake Alert is USGC’s ‘early earthquake warning’ alert system.

As of Thursday morning, several minor aftershocks have been recorded. Authorities advise residents to remain vigilant, secure loose heavy furniture, and ensure their emergency kits are up to date, as the probability of smaller follow-up tremors remains high over the next 48 hours.

(This is a developing story)