#usgs

EVACUATION ORDER ISSUED FOR MUSKEGON RIVER FLOODPLAIN Newaygo County Emergency Services has issued an urgent evacuation order for residents in the Muskegon River Floodplain below the Croton Dam, citing rapidly rising water levels and the potential for catastrophic flooding. The directive, issued on April 16, 2026, comes as emergency personnel conduct door-to-door alerts to ensure compliance. Sheriff Bob Mendham confirmed that while the Croton Dam remains structurally stable, the situation is deemed too dangerous for residents to stay in the floodplain. The emergency notice highlights that water levels on the Muskegon River have surged to critical thresholds, with three U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) streamgages reporting major flood conditions. At 9:00 a.m., the Croton Streamgage recorded 12.07 feet, exceeding flood stage by over three feet. The Newaygo Streamgage measured 15.58 feet, surpassing its flood stage of 11.0 feet, while the Bridgeton Streamgage reached 16.56 feet, well above its 13.0-foot flood threshold. These readings indicate that the river is nearing levels comparable to the severe flooding event of April 2014, with officials warning that conditions could worsen. Residents in specific neighborhoods are at the highest risk, including Leisure Land Subdivision in Bridgeton Township, Sycamore Flats in Ashland Township, and Old Women’s Bend in Garfield Township. The floodwaters are expected to crest on April 17–18, potentially submerging homes and infrastructure. The Division Street Bridge in Hesperia is already under threat, with water flowing over the spillway of the Hesperia Dam and posing a risk of overtopping. Emergency crews are actively assessing the dam’s stability, though no immediate collapse is anticipated.#usgs #newaygo_county_emergency_services #croton_dam #muskegon_river #newaygo_county_commission_on_aging

Earthquake of Magnitude 7.6 strikes Neiafu in Tonga: USGS A powerful earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale struck Neiafu, Tonga, according to the United States Geological Survey. The tremor occurred on March 24, 2026, and was recorded at a depth of approximately 350 kilometers, which is considered a significant distance beneath the Earth’s surface. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center stated that no tsunami alert was issued, as the earthquake’s depth reduced the likelihood of a destructive wave reaching coastal areas. Neiafu, a small town located on the island of Tongatapu, is known for its proximity to the capital, Nukuʻalofa. While the region is not uncommon for seismic activity due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, the magnitude of this quake raised concerns among local authorities and residents. However, the depth of the event, combined with its location away from the coast, minimized the risk of widespread damage or loss of life. The USGS reported that the earthquake’s epicenter was approximately 120 kilometers east of Neiafu. Preliminary data suggested that the tremor was felt across several islands in the archipelago, though no immediate reports of structural damage or casualties were confirmed. Local emergency services remained on standby to monitor the situation and assist any affected communities. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center emphasized that while deep earthquakes can sometimes trigger tsunamis, the specific characteristics of this event—particularly its depth and location—made such an occurrence highly unlikely. Officials urged residents to stay informed through official channels and to follow any additional safety guidelines if necessary.#usgs #neiafu #tonga #pacific_tsunami_warning_center #tongatapu

USGS Glitch Triggers False Earthquake Alerts Across Northern California A technical malfunction in the U.S. Geological Survey’s earthquake detection system led to multiple false alerts across Northern California late Monday, according to preliminary findings. The alerts, which indicated several small earthquakes occurring within minutes in different regions of the state, were later determined to be the result of a system error rather than actual seismic activity. The automated notifications, issued shortly before 10 p.m., suggested seismic events with magnitudes ranging from 3.2 to 3.8. These were reported to have occurred in areas such as Point Reyes, Bonny Doon, Shaver Lake in Fresno County, and Yreka. The initial reports were generated by the Northern California Seismic System, a component of the California Integrated Seismic Network, and were marked as “automatic” detections. However, inconsistencies in the data raised doubts about the accuracy of the alerts. The USGS has not yet provided a full public explanation of the incident or confirmed whether any of the reported quakes were genuine. It is standard practice for automatically generated earthquake data to undergo review, with some reports being revised or removed if they are found to be erroneous. As of late Monday night, there were no confirmed reports of shaking, damage, or injuries linked to the alerts. The USGS’s “Did You Feel It?” system, which collects public accounts of seismic activity, showed minimal to no activity associated with the listed events. Seismologists routinely examine automatically generated earthquake data, which can occasionally produce incorrect readings due to signal interference or processing errors.#usgs #northern_california #california_integrated_seismic_network #point_reyes #bonny_doon

Another earthquake rattles Edgefield, Louisiana after second-largest in state history recorded last week A series of earthquakes struck northwest Louisiana on the morning of March 9, 2026, with four tremors occurring within a 10-minute window. The most significant of these events was confirmed to have a magnitude of 4.4, according to data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake was recorded 4.9 miles northwest of Edgefield, at a depth of approximately 3.1 miles. Initial reports had listed the magnitude as 4.0, but further analysis upgraded the measurement. This latest earthquake followed the second-largest recorded in Louisiana’s history, which occurred on March 5 around 5:30 a.m. The previous event, though less intense than the March 9 tremors, had already raised concerns among residents about the region’s seismic activity. The recent quakes have added to a growing pattern of small earthquakes in the area, prompting questions about potential causes and long-term implications. Residents in Edgefield and surrounding communities reported feeling the tremors, with some describing the shaking as mild but noticeable. The USGS encourages anyone who experienced the earthquake to report their observations through its official channels. Such data helps scientists better understand the frequency and distribution of seismic events in the region. The area has seen an increase in seismic activity in recent months, with multiple small quakes recorded. While none of these events have reached the magnitude of the March 5 incident, the cumulative effect has led to heightened awareness and concern. Local authorities and geologists are monitoring the situation closely, though no immediate threats to infrastructure or safety have been identified.#earthquake #usgs #louisiana #edgefield #arklatex

Louisiana experiences four earthquakes with magnitudes up to 4.0 | Fox Weather Four earthquakes, measuring between 3.1 and 4.0 on the Richter scale, shook Louisiana early Monday morning, March 9. The tremors occurred within a 10-minute window, starting at 4:33 a.m. Central Time and continuing through 4:41 a.m. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported the first quake struck 2.5 miles northwest of Edgefield, Louisiana, at a depth of 3.1 miles. A second magnitude 3.1 earthquake followed shortly after, approximately 1.9 miles north-northeast of Edgefield at the same depth. A third tremor, measuring 3.9, hit around 4:40 a.m., occurring nearly at the same location as the previous quakes, 1.9 miles northeast of Edgefield. The final earthquake of the sequence reached a magnitude of 4.0 at 4:41 a.m., striking 5 miles west-northwest of Edgefield. Residents as far south as Coushatta and as far north as Minden reported feeling the shaking. This event follows a magnitude 4.9 earthquake that struck the same area in Red River Parish just four days earlier, marking the strongest recorded earthquake in Louisiana’s history. Two of the Monday morning quakes are now among the four most significant in the state’s seismic record. The USGS noted no immediate reports of damage, injuries, or fatalities. The Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office stated they are monitoring the situation and will provide updates if new information arises. The incident remains under observation, with Fox Weather advising readers to stay tuned for further developments. The occurrence highlights the potential for seismic activity in Louisiana, a region not typically associated with frequent earthquakes. While the U.S.#usgs #louisiana #edgefield #red_river_parish #fox_weather

Earthquake Today: 6.7-Magnitude Quake Hits Solomon Islands' Kirakira A 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck Kirakira in the Solomon Islands today, according to Reuters, citing data from the USGS. The seismic event occurred on March 6, 2026, at 08:16 PM IST. This is breaking news, and further updates are expected as authorities assess the situation. The earthquake, which was reported to have a significant impact on the region, has prompted emergency response teams to monitor for potential aftershocks and assess damage. The USGS has confirmed the magnitude and location, but details about the quake's depth and any reported casualties remain pending further information. Residents in the area are advised to stay informed through official channels and follow safety protocols. The Solomon Islands, located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, is prone to frequent seismic activity, making such events relatively common. However, the scale of this quake underscores the importance of preparedness and resilience in the region. The breaking news alert indicates that the situation is still developing, and additional details about the quake's effects, including any infrastructure damage or injuries, will be provided as they become available. Authorities are working to ensure the safety of the local population and to provide timely updates on the situation.#earthquake #usgs #solomon_islands #kirakira #pacific_ring_of_fire

A 4.3 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Southern Iran, Sparks Speculation Over Nuclear Activity A magnitude 4.3 earthquake struck the Gerash region in southern Iran, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor occurred at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers, a depth consistent with typical tectonic activity in the area. Gerash is located in Iran’s Fars province, a region known for frequent seismic events due to its position along the Zagros fold and thrust belt, where the Arabian and Eurasian tectonic plates collide. This area is among the most seismically active zones in the Middle East, with earthquakes of this magnitude being relatively common. The timing of the quake has fueled speculation on social media, particularly amid ongoing tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. Some users have suggested the tremor could be linked to a covert underground nuclear test, citing the proximity of the event to recent military actions. Underground nuclear detonations produce distinct seismic signatures, including stronger primary waves and weaker secondary waves, which differ from natural earthquakes. However, the USGS noted that the Gerash event aligns with typical tectonic activity in the region. The speculation has also been amplified by seismic activity elsewhere. Over the past week, more than 100 minor earthquakes have been recorded in Nevada, USA, prompting online theories about potential nuclear activity. Meanwhile, the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog has clarified that no nuclear sites in Iran were damaged following recent strikes by the U.S. and Israel.#iran #usgs #fars_province #zagros_fold_thrust_belt #natanz_nuclear_site

Earthquake strikes Iran A magnitude 4.3 earthquake hit the Gerash region in Iran on Tuesday, according to the US Geological Survey. The seismic event occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, as reported by the USGS. The tremor, which was recorded in the early hours of the day, caused minor shaking in the area but did not result in any immediate reports of damage or casualties. Local authorities have not issued warnings of further activity, and the USGS has not indicated any potential for larger quakes in the region. The event is considered relatively minor compared to historical seismic activity in Iran, which has experienced more significant earthquakes in the past. While the Gerash region is not known for frequent seismic events, the country as a whole lies in a seismically active zone due to its location along the Eurasian and Arabian tectonic plates. This tectonic activity has led to several notable earthquakes in recent years, including a 7.3 magnitude quake in 2023 that caused widespread damage in the city of Tabas. The current tremor is likely a result of the same underlying geological processes that contribute to Iran's seismic risks. The USGS typically provides real-time data on earthquakes, including their magnitude, depth, and location, to help scientists and authorities assess potential impacts. In this case, the agency's data suggests the quake posed no immediate threat to populated areas. However, residents in the region are advised to remain vigilant and follow any updates from local emergency services. The incident highlights the ongoing seismic activity in the region and underscores the importance of preparedness for such events. While the current earthquake was not significant, it serves as a reminder of the potential for larger, more destructive quakes in the future.#iran #usgs #us_geological_survey #gerash_region #tectonic_plates