A powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake rocked the Pacific Coast early this morning, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos in its wake. The tremor, which struck at 3:27 AM local time, was centered 50 miles offshore and triggered tsunami warnings across the region.

Residents of coastal cities were jolted awake by violent shaking that lasted nearly a minute. “It felt like the world was ending,” said Sarah Johnson, a local shopkeeper. “The noise was deafening, and everything in my house was flying off the shelves.”

Emergency services are scrambling to assess the damage and respond to calls for help. Early reports indicate widespread structural damage, with several buildings collapsed in downtown areas. Power outages have plunged entire neighborhoods into darkness, complicating rescue efforts.

Governor Mark Thompson has declared a state of emergency and activated the National Guard. “Our priority is saving lives,” he stated in a press conference. “We’re urging everyone to stay calm and follow evacuation orders if issued.”

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has issued alerts for over 1,000 miles of coastline. Residents in low-lying areas are being urged to move to higher ground immediately.

Seismologists warn that aftershocks are likely in the coming days. Dr. Emily Chen of the U.S. Geological Survey cautions, “This earthquake has significantly increased stress on nearby fault lines. We’re closely monitoring the situation.”

As dawn breaks, the full extent of the disaster is becoming clearer. Search and rescue teams are racing against time to find survivors trapped in rubble. Meanwhile, coastal communities brace for potential tsunami waves, adding another layer of urgency to an already critical situation.