Massive Earthquake Rattles Parts Of Northern California, Severely Damaging Town
We woke to the news of another earthquake in California. The latest quake struck northern California early this morning. And unfortunately, it caused some significant damage.
Ferndale, California, residents got a rude awakening at 2:34 a.m. when a 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck. The epicenter was in the Pacific Ocean, close to the coast. And the area most directly impacted was Humboldt County, which includes the famed Redwood Coast.
One individual was completely taken off-guard while recording herself putting on makeup. The earthquake caused her to smear lipstick across the side of her face. The sheer severity of the earthquake is also visually evident based on how violently the individual’s room was shaking.
US Geological Survey data indicates that people from Oregon to San Jose likely felt some shaking. But the good news is that, despite the magnitude, it will not produce a tsunami. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration wanted to make sure and alleviate any worry about that possibility.
It is the second earthquake to hit northern California in the last few days. The first occurred in San Francisco on Saturday. That one was a 3.6-magnitude earthquake. And it prompted some counties to remind residents how to adequately prepare themselves for when earthquakes inevitably occur.
And it also rattled residents out of their slumber since it occurred at 3:39 a.m. Its epicenter was in El Cerrito, an area roughly 16 miles from downtown. There was some minor damage to the area after that smaller quake.
But the damage to the Ferndale area is far greater. According to ABC7 News, “Emergency officials say ‘widespread damages’ have been reported to roads and homes throughout Humboldt County.” However, it may take some time to assess the extent of the damage.
Additionally, there were reports of two injuries due to the earthquake. Falls caused both injuries. Thankfully, the early hour likely prevented further injuries.
But the most concerning and pressing matter is the earthquake’s impact on gas lines and the electrical grid. “PG&E says it has initiated its emergency response plan and crews are responding to gas and electric hazards.” There are now roughly 71,000 customers in the dark.
While it may not sound like a lot to those who dwell in urban areas, it impacted most of the region’s customers. There are only “99,000 customers tracked in the county,” according to CNN. So that means emergency crews have their work cut out for them.
Restoring power quickly is vital. While northern California will not feel the wrath of the arctic cold hitting most of the US this week, it will still experience cold, wet weather. And keeping residents warm, especially those most vulnerable, will be important.
Additionally, crews from the Department of Transportation will begin work on assessing road damage before they can start repair work. Images emerging from the area show significant road damage, including on at least one bridge. Officials tweeted out a photo of Fernbridge, which received extensive damage in the quake.
That bridge “carries State Route 211 over the Eel River.” A tweet from the California Department of Transportation offered unfortunate news. They said, “The bridge is closed while we conduct safety inspections due to possible seismic damage.”
However, crews must contend with the numerous aftershocks hitting the region. The US Geological Survey recorded over three dozen additional earthquakes after the initial one struck. And the largest of those was a 4.6 magnitude.
