At least two killed in 6.4 magnitude earthquake in northern California

An earthquake of magnitude 6.4 rocked northern california At least two people died early Tuesday morning, leaving thousands in darkness.

The earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 miles U.S. Geological Survey, near Eureka, Humboldt County, just after 2:30 a.m. PT Said.

It struck about 7.4 miles west-southwest of Ferndale, according to the agency.

At least 11 people were injured and two “died as a result of medical emergencies that occurred during and/or immediately after the earthquake,” an official statement said. Humboldt County Emergency Services Department.

As many as 80 aftershocks followed, the most powerful being a magnitude 4.6 shock that shook the city of Riodell, according to Mark Guillarducci, director of the California Department of Emergency Services.

“We live in an earthquake country and this is another example of the fact that earthquakes can strike at any time without notice,” Gilarducci told reporters at the headquarters of Mather’s office.

“So as a Californian, it’s very important to plan, plan for your family, and have supplies in case of a power outage.”

State officials have urged Humboldt County residents to prepare for another earthquake.

There’s a 13% chance that another powerful shock of magnitude 5.0 or greater will occur next week, according to Cynthia Pridmore, a senior engineering geologist at the California Geological Survey.

She told Humboldt County residents to gather food, water, flashlights, and other supplies.

“People should be prepared to be careful where they stay, especially if they’re in weakened structures,” she said.

As of 12:54 p.m. PT, over 68,000 homes and businesses throughout Humboldt County were still without power. Pacific Gas and Electric reported.

the city of Eureka installed a charging station For residents without power to plug in phones, computers, and medical equipment while police request shopkeeper to watch over In stores, because “there have already been some reports of robberies on businesses.”

The Humboldt County Department of Emergency Services said there was a “countywide power outage.” Tweetadded: “Do not call 911 unless you are experiencing an immediate emergency.”

county sheriff’s office Said Extensive damage to roads and homes was reported across the county, and residents were warned to “prepare for aftershocks” and check gas and water lines for damage or leaks.

“Be careful if you travel,” he added.

Part of the historic Fernbridge in Ferndale has been closed due to “potential earthquake damage,” the California Department of Transportation said. SaidPhotos shared online showed cracks in the bridge.

Eureka auto salesman Mike Shapiro said he collapsed after being woken up by Tuesday’s earthquake.

“I got up and took two steps to the floor. The second impact knocked my leg off the bottom,” Shapiro, 54, told NBC News. “I’m fine. Broken glass.” It took me three hours to pick it up.”

Shapiro remembered vividly 1992 Cape Mendocino earthquake and said he was faithful tied up furniture Since then, appliances.

“Usually earthquakes don’t make me nervous, but this one made me nervous,” Shapiro said. “I’m glad everything was fixed. Nothing fell out.”

There was no earthquake-related tsunami threat as of early Tuesday morning, according to the National Weather Service’s Tsunami Warning System.

Many people said on social media that they were woken up by the MyShake earthquake alert app on their phones.

USGS seismologists said people living near the coast reported feeling “significant shaking”. They said they could expect to see minor damage, such as items falling from shelves, and could see underlying damage.

The earthquake will occur almost exactly one year later. An earthquake of magnitude 6.2 It occurred in the Cape Mendocino area of ​​Northern California on December 21, last year. No major damage or injuries have been reported in connection with the earthquake.

The quake occurred at a depth of 5.6 miles in the Pacific Ocean, about 24 miles west of the small community of Petrolia along the rocky wilderness of California’s Lost Coast region in Humboldt County, according to the Geological Survey and Humboldt County. Sheriff’s Department, time.

Cal Poly Humboldt was already on winter break, but the school asked everyone. But essential human resourcesremain off-campus while inspectors assess the damage.