A 3.7 magnitude earthquake struck California on Friday morning, compounding the state’s ongoing struggles with devastating wildfires. The tremor was detected near the San Francisco Bay Area at 7:02 a.m. PT, with its epicenter approximately five miles southwest of the Golden Gate Bridge and two miles west of the Great Highway, according to Mail Online.

The initial quake was followed by a 2.2 magnitude aftershock four minutes later and a 2.5 magnitude tremor six minutes after the first seismic activity. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that over 5,000 people in the area felt the shake, with additional reports continuing to come in. Despite the intensity of the tremors, no injuries or significant damage have been reported.

This seismic activity occurred about 350 miles away from Los Angeles, where wildfires have already caused widespread destruction. The fires have claimed at least 10 lives and forced 180,000 residents to evacuate. Over 10,000 structures have been destroyed, and nearly 30,000 acres of land have been scorched.

Los Angeles’s Ongoing Crisis

Los Angeles Mayor Daniel Lurie addressed the dual crises, stating, “I ordered city government into action immediately this morning, and our first responders have been out across the city ensuring the safety of our residents. We have also been sharing information and giving people the tools to protect themselves and their families in an event like this.”

The Kenneth Fire, one of the most destructive wildfires, has flattened entire blocks of Pacific Palisades and Malibu. Officials have confirmed that the fire was started by an arsonist, who has since been apprehended. Strong winds have fueled the flames, though meteorologists predict calmer weather conditions later in the day, which could aid firefighting efforts. To prevent looting, nighttime curfews have been enforced in affected areas.

Disruptions in San Francisco

In San Francisco, the earthquake briefly disrupted Muni subway services. Locals shared their experiences on social media, with resident Nadia Rahman describing it as “the most significant earthquake I’ve personally experienced in San Francisco.” Many noted that the shaking, although intense, lasted only a second.

California’s vulnerability to earthquakes is well-documented. Scientists have long warned that the region is overdue for a massive quake along the San Andreas Fault, potentially reaching a magnitude of 8.0 or higher. Such an event could result in 1,800 deaths and an estimated $200 billion in damages.

A State Under Pressure

The earthquake comes on the heels of a 3.0 magnitude tremor recorded the day before, less than 100 miles from Friday’s epicenter, as well as several smaller quakes earlier in the week.

As California grapples with natural disasters on multiple fronts, officials and residents alike face mounting pressure to adapt and respond to these challenges. For now, the state remains on high alert as communities work to recover from the ongoing wildfires and prepare for potential aftershocks or future seismic activity.