2 Dead as Strong Earthquake Shakes Northern California, Widespread Damage Reported

AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez

A powerful 6.4 magnitude earthquake rattled the sleeping residents of northern California’s Humbolt County early Tuesday morning. Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office reported two people were killed and at least 11 people were injured. The two killed were “as a result of a medical emergency occurring during and/or just following the earthquake.” 

Advertisement

Over 70,000 residents are without power, according to PG&E. Gov. Newsom activated a Level One Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) disaster response. Level One activation is “the initial activation during any major emergency requiring extreme State level help” and “involves a complete and full activation of all organizational elements at full staffing and all Emergency Support Functions.”

NBC reported the initial 6.4 magnitude earthquake was followed by “dozens of aftershocks, including some in the 3.2 to 3.9 range.” Officials warn residents should inspect their homes and businesses for damage, including damage to gas lines. Residents should also continue to be vigilant, as many more strong aftershocks and landslides are possible in the coming hours. No tsunami was predicted or reported even though the epicenter of Tuesday’s quake was several miles offshore.

Advertisement

As northern California residents spent Tuesday morning cleaning up their belongings and fallen debris, Caltrans engineers and incident response crews inspected hundreds of bridges, major structures, and all roadways throughout Humboldt County to ensure safety for motorists. While most roads are open, seismic damage and safety concerns forced the closure of the main road and bridge into the town of Ferndale. Up-to-date road conditions and closures can be found here.

Recommended:  Seriously? Newsom Says Republicans to Blame for Imminent Border Chaos

Advertisement

A Tuesday afternoon press conference scheduled by the Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services could not be streamed live “due to limited connectivity to cellular services following the earthquake.” The press conference, however, will be uploaded as soon as possible.

Stay tuned to PJ Media for updates on this ongoing story.

Recommended

Trending on PJ Media Videos

Join the conversation as a VIP Member

Advertisement
Advertisement