The California coast was shaken by seven earthquakes in less than 24 hours, raising concerns among residents about the potential arrival of “The Big One.”
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) detected a 3.7-magnitude earthquake at 4:59 PM on Thursday in Hayward. Just two hours earlier, three tremors had already been felt near Hayward and Petrolia.
The tremors near Petrolia occurred along the San Andreas Fault, which scientists closely monitor due to its potential to cause catastrophic destruction.
Scientists have found that the fault produces major quakes approximately every 140 years.
“Since it has been more than 144 years since the last major earthquake, the clock is ticking. It is very likely that the Hayward Fault will rupture and produce a significant earthquake within the next 30 years,” researchers at the University of California, Berkeley warned.
The San Andreas fault lies just a few miles from the Hayward Fault, further amplifying concerns over seismic activity in the region.
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