Magnitude 6.0 earthquake hits southern Oregon

A magnitude 6.0 earthquake was recorded off the southern coast of Oregon on Wednesday afternoon, as confirmed by the U.S. Geological Survey. The tremor, which struck approximately 170 miles from the coastal town of Bandon, was felt by over 75 residents, although no significant damage has been reported.

The earthquake occurred at a depth of 6.2 miles (10 kilometres). Emergency management officials in Washington state reassured the public via social media, noting that while a quake of this magnitude near the Cascadia Subduction Zone can be alarming, this particular event originated in the Blanco Fracture Zone, where seismic activity is relatively frequent.

The Cascadia Subduction Zone itself stretches 600 miles (965 kilometres) along the coast, extending from Northern California to British Columbia. Seismologists warn that this area has been building tectonic stress for over three centuries, with the potential for a major earthquake and subsequent tsunami in the future. Fortunately, no tsunami alerts were issued following Wednesday's event.