A 2.8 magnitude earthquake struck near San Ramon, California, on March 23, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The tremor occurred at 3:34 a.m. and was centered approximately 2 miles east-southeast of San Ramon, at a depth of 6 miles. Residents in the area were advised to report their experiences through the USGS Felt Report form to help refine earthquake data. Earthquakes are measured by their magnitude, which reflects the energy released at the fault line. The USGS explains that this system replaces the older Richter scale. Quakes between 2.5 and 5.4 magnitude are typically felt by people but rarely cause significant damage. Earthquakes below 2.5 on the scale are generally too small to be noticed by most individuals. While earthquakes can occur anywhere, they are most common in regions such as Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico, and Washington. These areas are prone to seismic activity due to their proximity to tectonic plate boundaries. Globally, it is estimated that 500,000 earthquakes are detectable each year, with 100,000 of those felt by people and only 100 causing structural damage. During an earthquake, immediate safety measures are critical. If in a vehicle, drivers should pull over to a safe location, stop, and engage the parking brake. Those in bed should lie face-down and protect their head with a pillow. Outdoor individuals should avoid buildings and stay clear of structures, while those inside should remain indoors, avoiding doorways. The recommended protocol is to "drop, cover, and hold on," which involves getting to the ground, taking cover under a sturdy object, and holding on until the shaking stops. For wheelchair or walker users, ensuring wheels are locked and staying seated is advised.#california #earthquake #us_geological_survey #san_ramon #felt_report
