California's San Ramon Shaken by 3.3 Magnitude Earthquake; Officials Report No Injuries

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A 3.3 magnitude earthquake struck California's San Ramon on November 17, sending shockwaves as far as Oakland, Union City, and Dublin. Although residents felt the effects of the quake, officials have reported no injuries so far. This latest earthquake is not an isolated incident, as the East Bay region experienced seismic activity just a week ago, with a series of quakes on November 9, including a 3.8 magnitude tremor. According to the United States Geological Survey, eight earthquakes struck the region in a span of three hours. The San Ramon area is located near the Calaveras Fault, a 1,200-kilometer-long branch of the San Andreas Fault Zone. This fault marks the boundary between the North American and Pacific tectonic plates. While experts do not attribute the latest earthquake to the widening of the San Andreas Fault, the Calaveras Fault is known to cause regular tremors in the region. However, the USGS notes that the northern segment of the fault moves at a rate of 2-3 millimeters per year, and the central portion moves at 14 millimeters per year, indicating no major upheaval at present. Despite the recent minor earthquakes, the area remains vulnerable to a major earthquake in the coming years. According to UC Berkeley's Seismological Lab, there is a 72 percent chance of a major earthquake hitting the greater Bay Area by 2043. While the recent seismic activity does not indicate an imminent larger earthquake, the region's residents are advised to remain vigilant and prepared for potential future tremors.