San Francisco: Earthquake Rattles City, Damaging Buildings

San Francisco: Earthquake Rattles City, Damaging BuildingsSan Francisco: Earthquake Rattles City, Damaging Buildings A powerful earthquake struck San Francisco early this morning, sending residents into a state of panic and causing widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure. The magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck at 3:20 AM local time, with its epicenter located approximately 15 miles northwest of the city. The temblor was felt across the Bay Area, triggering a series of aftershocks that continued for several hours. Initial reports indicate that several buildings in San Francisco have suffered significant damage. The Transamerica Pyramid, a city landmark, sustained visible cracks and broken windows. The Golden Gate Bridge was briefly closed for inspection but has since reopened with restrictions. Other damaged buildings include the historic City Hall, the California Academy of Sciences, and the Salesforce Tower. Numerous residential structures have also been reported as having sustained damage, including collapsed walls and broken gas lines. Emergency responders have been deployed throughout the city, searching for survivors and assessing the extent of the damage. Hospitals are currently receiving a large number of patients with injuries related to the earthquake. Mayor Breed has declared a state of emergency and has urged residents to remain indoors and avoid driving unless absolutely necessary. She has also requested federal assistance in response to the disaster. Transportation has been severely disrupted, with major highways and bridges closed or experiencing delays. BART service has been suspended indefinitely, and public transportation options are limited. At this time, the number of casualties is unknown, but authorities have confirmed that there have been multiple fatalities. Search and rescue operations are ongoing. The earthquake has left San Francisco in a state of disarray. Residents are urged to follow the instructions of emergency responders and stay informed through official channels for the latest updates.