California has experienced three earthquakes in the last 24 hours in an area closely monitored for a major quake, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). The seismic activity was detected along the San Andreas Fault, which spans 800 miles from Cape Mendocino in the north to the Salton Sea in the south. This fault line, scientists warn, is overdue for a ‘Big One’ — a magnitude 7.8 earthquake or higher.
Friday’s earthquakes ranged from a 2.5 to 2.9 magnitude, causing no reported injuries or damages but serving as a stark reminder of the potential for a devastating event. Angie Lux, project scientist for Earthquake Early Warning at the Berkeley Seismology Lab, emphasized the urgency of preparing for a significant quake, stating, “Experts are fairly confident that there could be a pretty large earthquake at some point in the next 30 years,” according to DailyMail.com.
For Catholics, these warnings offer a call to prayer and vigilance, reminding the faithful to seek God’s protection in times of uncertainty. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that while the world is in God’s hands, we are called to act responsibly in caring for ourselves and our communities.
The San Andreas Fault is not the only area of concern. Scientists are also monitoring the Cascadia Subduction Zone, where a magnitude 8.0 or higher quake could strike soon, possibly causing coastal land to sink up to 6.5 feet within 30 minutes of the tremor. The potential devastation includes flooding, property loss, and infrastructure damage.
USGS scientist Dr. Sue Hough noted that there are conflicting studies on the signs that may precede a major earthquake. “Some research suggested more activity happens before it hits, while others have found there is no warning,” Hough told KTLA5.
For Catholics, this unpredictability serves as a reminder to stay spiritually prepared, turning to the sacraments and prayer for strength and resilience. The Great California Shakeout has predicted that a ‘Big One’ would result in approximately 1,800 deaths, 50,000 injuries, and $200 billion in damages. As Catholics, we can take this as a call to both physical and spiritual preparedness, seeking the intercession of saints like St. Joseph, patron of protection, and Our Lady of Sorrows, who stands with those suffering in the aftermath of tragedy.
