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| San Francisco from the Marin Headlands on August 22, 2022, |
A magnitude 4.3 earthquake jolted the San Francisco Bay Area early Monday, September 22, 2025, at 2:56 a.m. local time. The quake, initially estimated at 4.6, struck just east-southeast of Berkeley near the University of California campus, waking thousands of residents across the region.
Strong Shaking Felt Across the Bay
Witnesses described the shaking as “strong” or “big”, with reports spanning from Berkeley to San Francisco and as far south as Salinas, nearly 100 miles away. The MyShake early warning app was triggered, giving some residents a brief but crucial heads-up.
No Major Damage or Injuries Reported
According to the San Francisco Fire Department, no significant injuries or structural damage have been reported so far. Authorities stressed that while the tremor caused widespread alarm, the region avoided the worst-case scenario. The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center confirmed there was no tsunami threat.
Transit and Emergency Response
The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system immediately slowed trains for track inspections, causing delays for early commuters. Local emergency management agencies urged residents to check their homes for potential hazards, such as gas leaks, and to remain alert for possible aftershocks.
Fear Revives Seismic Awareness
For many, the quake was the strongest they had felt in years, rekindling anxiety about the notorious Hayward Fault. This fault line, running directly beneath Berkeley and the East Bay, is considered one of the most dangerous seismic zones in the United States.
A Reminder of Earthquake Preparedness
While the earthquake left no visible scars, its psychological impact was significant. Experts and local officials are once again highlighting the importance of preparedness—keeping emergency kits ready, securing heavy furniture, and having a family safety plan in place.
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