A 4.3-magnitude earthquake rattled the San Francisco Bay Area shortly after midnight, abruptly waking more than 22,000 people, who described the shaking as strong enough to move furniture and cause alarm. The quake’s epicenter was located near Berkeley, according to public reports.
Despite the intensity felt across several neighborhoods, no major damage or casualties have been reported so far. Local authorities stated that the tremor was brief but intense and have begun precautionary inspections to rule out structural damage, particularly in older buildings.
The event serves as a reminder of the seismic vulnerability of the Bay Area, where experts continuously urge residents to remain prepared with emergency kits, evacuation plans, and awareness of local safety protocols.
How likely is it for a medium-magnitude earthquake to cause damage in San Francisco?
Historically, quakes of this size (around magnitude 4.3) are strong enough to be widely felt and cause fear but rarely inflict significant structural damage on modern buildings constructed under strict seismic codes. However, older or poorly maintained structures may develop cracks, and public services such as water or electricity could face temporary disruptions.
