Berkeley Rocked by Three Earthquakes in Just 16 Hours

Berkeley, California – The usually calm university town of Berkeley was rattled on Monday as three earthquakes struck within just 16 hours, sending tremors through the Bay Area and reminding residents of the region’s seismic risks.

Early Morning Jolt Wakes Residents

The seismic activity began in the early hours, just before 3 a.m., when a magnitude 4.3 earthquake shook homes and startled people out of their sleep.

• The epicentre was recorded just south of UC Berkeley, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

• The strong tremor was felt across multiple Bay Area communities.

Second Quake Strikes in the Morning

At around 8 a.m., another quake – this time a magnitude 2.6 – followed.

• Its epicentre was located near Claremont Avenue and Tunnel Road, close to John Muir Elementary School.

• While smaller in scale, it was widely felt by those already shaken from the night’s event.

Evening Quake Adds to Anxiety

The day ended with a third earthquake recorded at 6:20 p.m., measuring magnitude 3.0.

• Once again, the tremor originated near Claremont Avenue and Tunnel Road.

• According to USGS reports, it had a depth of 4.4 miles.

• For residents, the repeated jolts raised concerns of a possible larger event brewing beneath the city.

Community Reaction

Local residents expressed their anxiety across social media:

• Many admitted being startled awake by the early morning quake.

• Parents were particularly worried about the quakes’ proximity to schools.

• While no major injuries or damages were reported, the frequency of tremors left many uneasy.

Expert Insights

Seismologists explained that these quakes are part of the natural seismic behaviour of the Bay Area.

• The Hayward Fault is one of the most dangerous fault lines in the United States, cutting directly through Berkeley.

• Experts emphasised that while these quakes were small to moderate, they serve as a warning of the region’s vulnerability to larger seismic events.

History of Earthquakes in Berkeley

Berkeley has a long history of seismic activity, largely due to its location on the Hayward Fault Zone.

• The 1868 Hayward earthquake, estimated at magnitude 6.8–7.0, devastated the East Bay and destroyed much of downtown Hayward.

• Since then, the fault has seen frequent smaller quakes, with geologists warning that it has the potential to produce a major earthquake every 150 years or so.

• With the last major quake in 1868, many scientists argue the region is overdue for another large event.

This history makes the series of recent tremors more concerning for experts and residents alike.

Why the Hayward Fault is Dangerous

The Hayward Fault is considered one of the most hazardous in California because:

• It runs through densely populated urban areas, including Oakland, Berkeley, Hayward, Fremont, and other East Bay cities.

• It passes beneath critical infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, highways, and water pipelines.

• According to the USGS, a future major earthquake on this fault could cause billions of dollars in damage and affect millions of people.

Unlike some faults in remote areas, the Hayward Fault’s urban proximity makes even moderate quakes risky for public safety.

Staying Prepared in Earthquake Country

Authorities stress that preparation is the key to minimising harm during earthquakes.
Recommended safety measures include:

• Keeping an emergency supply kit with food, water, and medical essentials.

• Securing furniture, shelves, and heavy appliances to prevent tipping.

• Knowing the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” method during tremors.

• Developing a family communication plan in case of a larger disaster.

Local governments also regularly encourage participation in earthquake drills, such as the Great California ShakeOut, to ensure communities stay ready.

Conclusion

The three quakes that shook Berkeley in just 16 hours may not have caused major damage, but they highlighted the ongoing seismic risks tied to life in the Bay Area. With the Hayward Fault long overdue for a major quake, experts urge residents to stay vigilant, stay prepared, and remain aware of the ever-present possibility of a larger seismic event.

Sources: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), local media reports, historical earthquake archives.