Bay Area’s Hayward Fault: a ticking time bomb for a major earthquake

Experts warn the Hayward Fault near the Bay Area is overdue for a major quake; recent 3.8 temblor near Oakland and aftershocks highlight its volatility, while simulations show a magnitude-7 rupture could produce significantly stronger shaking across the region. USGS estimates a 14.3% chance of a 6.7+ quake by 2034 and about 33% before 2043. A major rupture could bring hundreds of fires, tens of thousands of destroyed homes, and hundreds of thousands displaced, though no major damage was reported in Thursday’s quake.