Early on Monday morning, people in the San Francisco Bay Area were suddenly awakened by an earthquake. The quake measured 4.3 in magnitude, and its center was close to the city of Berkeley, California. The shaking began just before 3:00 a.m., catching many residents by surprise in the middle of the night.

Reports say that more than 22,000 to 24,000 people felt the tremors. People living in Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco, and other nearby towns shared that their houses shook, shelves rattled, and some small objects fell onto the floor. Many described the event as a quick but strong jolt that woke them up immediately.

Where It Happened

The U.S. Geological Survey explained that the earthquake’s center was very close to the University of California, Berkeley. It was located near Dwight Way and Piedmont Avenue, only a short distance from student housing and campus buildings. Residents in that area said they felt a sharp and sudden movement, and many pets reacted nervously during the quake.

Damage and Disruption

The earthquake caused only minor damage. A butcher’s shop in Berkeley reported a broken window, while in Oakland’s Montclair neighborhood, bottles and small household items fell from shelves. In most places, people were more frightened than harmed. No injuries or major structural damage were reported.

Emergency services received a large number of phone calls from concerned residents right after the quake. Firefighters and police checked neighborhoods, but they did not find any major problems.

Transport Impact

The Bay Area Rapid Transit system, known as BART, decided to slow down its trains right after the earthquake. This was done so that engineers could check the tracks and make sure everything was safe. Because of these checks, passengers faced delays of about 15 to 20 minutes during the morning rush hours.

Aftershocks and Risk

A few hours after the main quake, a smaller aftershock of magnitude 2.6 was recorded in the Berkeley area. Aftershocks are common following an earthquake, and experts warned that more small ones might follow.

Scientists estimate there is about an 18% chance of another quake of magnitude 3.0 or higher within the coming week. The chances of another 4.0 or larger are much lower, but not impossible.

Officials’ Response

Local authorities, including the San Francisco Emergency Management Department, announced that they found no major damage in the city. Mayor Dan Lurie reassured residents that first responders were ready if needed and that safety checks would continue throughout the day.

The National Weather Service also explained that quakes around magnitude 4 are fairly common in California. While they are strong enough to wake people up and cause light damage, they rarely lead to dangerous situations.

Wider Area Effects

The earthquake was not only felt in Berkeley and San Francisco. People as far away as Salinas, about 100 miles from the quake’s center, also reported light shaking. Residents in several smaller towns said their windows rattled and walls trembled briefly, but no serious damage was seen.

Why This Area Is at Risk

The Bay Area is home to several active fault lines, especially the Hayward Fault, which runs close to Berkeley and Oakland. This fault has a long history of producing earthquakes. Experts say that although a magnitude-4 quake is considered moderate, the region must always stay alert because larger quakes can strike at any time.

Why It Matters

Even though this earthquake was not destructive, it served as a reminder that people in California live in an earthquake-prone region. Authorities stress the importance of having emergency supplies, safe buildings, and clear plans for what to do during and after quakes.

For many, this quake was a wake-up call—both literally and figuratively—that disaster preparedness is a daily necessity in this part of the country.

Safety Tips During an Earthquake

• Experts gave the following advice for staying safe during a quake:
• Drop, cover, and hold on. Hide under a strong desk or table and protect your head.
• Stay away from windows and tall furniture that could fall over.
• Keep emergency kits at home, including water, food, and a flashlight.
• If you are outside, move to an open space away from tall buildings.
• Check for damage after the shaking stops and help neighbors if it is safe.

The 4.3-magnitude earthquake near Berkeley may not have been dangerous, but it was strong enough to wake thousands of people and create small amounts of damage. Some windows broke, a few bottles fell, and trains were delayed, but life quickly returned to normal.

Officials continue to watch for aftershocks, and experts remind everyone in the Bay Area to remain prepared. Earthquakes like this may not cause harm, but they show how quickly the ground can shake and why readiness is so important.