On Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 0900, a major earthquake occurred in the East San Francisco Bay. Preliminary reports indicate a 7.0 magnitude earthquake on the Hayward Fault, with an epicenter near the city of Fremont. The rupture has resulted in ground shaking and damage within 19 California counties, including throughout Sonoma County.
Small aftershocks have followed the initial earthquake (maximum magnitude 4.3) causing most people to abandon structures (except single family wood frame homes) and seek open ground. Reported damage from shaking, surface fault rupture, and liquefaction include:
- Structural and nonstructural damage to buildings and infrastructure, including widespread collapse of buildings.
- Structural damage to highway roadbeds, bridges, and overpasses.
- Widespread fires throughout the Bay Area
- Subsidence and loss of soil-bearing capacity in areas that experienced liquefaction
- Widespread landslides throughout the Bay Area
- Numerous hazardous materials spills and incidents
While the exact numbers of fatalities are not known at this time, data analysis indicates that 800 fatalities may have occurred. It is expected that approximately 25,000 people have been injured, including an estimated 2,500 requiring rescue from collapsed structures. An estimated 20,000 people require rescue from elevators in the Bay Area. Preliminary estimates are that the equivalent of 50,000 single family homes have been lost due to fires alone.
Highway blockages include I-80, I-280, I-580, I-680, I-880, and US 101. The Benicia–Martinez Bridge (I-680), Carquinez Bridge (I-80), Richmond–San Rafael Bridge (I-580), Golden Gate Bridge (U.S 101), San Mateo-Hayward Bridge (SR-92), and San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge(I-80) are closed for inspection. While the Dumbarton Bridge appears intact, several sections of the causeway leading to the eastern end of the bridge have experienced heavy damage, which will likely take months to repair.
There are currently two County-run shelters open to the public:
- Santa Rosa Veteran’s Memorial Building
- Petaluma Fairgrounds