5.6

October 30, 2007 8:29 PM

5.6 earthquake strikes California. Wikinews and USGS.
posted by sushiwiththejury (15 comments total)

5.6? Big deal. Delete as NewsNoise.
posted by wendell at 8:32 PM on October 30, 2007

Isn't a 5.6 like a fart in the wind to Californians?
posted by puke & cry at 8:35 PM on October 30, 2007 [2 favorites]

That was fun!
It's like being drunk for free!
posted by idiotfactory at 8:35 PM on October 30, 2007 [4 favorites]

NOBODY JOKE!
posted by Artw at 8:36 PM on October 30, 2007

(And I'm speaking as one who was less than 2 miles from the epicenter of Northridge '94 (6.7), and about 6 miles from the Sylmar '71 (6.6).) Now, if this is a pre-shock to a BIG ONE, come back later.
posted by wendell at 8:36 PM on October 30, 2007

Sorry guys. Just testing out this telluric current machine. Won't happen again.
posted by quadog at 8:36 PM on October 30, 2007

A fun one, but they haven't even interrupted local TV so I assume nothing of note happened (or has been learned of yet).
posted by obfusciatrist at 8:37 PM on October 30, 2007

Talking with my Mom right now from Campbell, 15 miles from the epicenter and she says everything fell off the walls, but everyone is fine - not much damage to the West Valley. Radio hasn't said anything about lights out or major damage, but it was long - 20 seconds.

My Dad is curing ham in our garage and apparently, a half hour later, the hocks are still swinging. Wow.
posted by coolhappysteve at 8:39 PM on October 30, 2007

"According to the USGS, damage could be "moderate to heavy" and Rafael Abreu of the USGS said that the earthquake is considered "moderate," but so far there are "no injuries." The quake was reported at a depth of 9.2 km (5.7 miles).

Palo Alto phone service failed due to the earthquake."

Unless the big one happens because of this, and Bill Hicks lifelong dream of Arizona Bay finally comes to fruition, I don't think this is particuarly newsworthy or FPP-worthy.
posted by Effigy2000 at 8:41 PM on October 30, 2007

5.6 in the US? That's like a 10.0 anywhere else, news-wise...
posted by pompomtom at 8:44 PM on October 30, 2007

I hate me some earthquakes. That was a pretty long one, I was on the phone to a friend in New York when it hit. It was my dog's first earthquake and she didn't know what to make of it. She just stood there, alert, staring at the living room as it swayed. I think she was trying to decide whether she should bark or not. She couldn't figure out whether she should be scared or protect me from something.
posted by miss lynnster at 8:45 PM on October 30, 2007

I actually lived in Milpitas (about 7 miles from the epicenter) until 6 months ago when I moved out here to Texas. I grew up in the Bay Area, so a 5.6 wouldn't scare me that much. You can't pitch a tent in the Bay Area without it being Earthquake-retrofitted. I'll actually be surprised if anyone ends up dead because of it.

I wonder if Ohlone College is ok?
posted by Avenger at 8:45 PM on October 30, 2007

I don't think this is particuarly newsworthy or FPP-worthy.

Hmm, maybe you're right. Admins, delete at will.
posted by sushiwiththejury at 8:46 PM on October 30, 2007

I agree that it was a pretty mellow quake though. I prefer the gently swaying ones to the up and down ones that knock you off your feet.
posted by miss lynnster at 8:46 PM on October 30, 2007

here in oakland we barely felt it. mrs. joeblough thought it was me opening the garage door.
posted by joeblough at 8:49 PM on October 30, 2007