At least two people have been killed and thousands others left in the dark after a 6.4-magnitude earthquake rocked Northern California early Tuesday, and officials have warned that another major jolt could still be on its way.
The quake hit at a depth of 10 miles just after 2:30 a.m. PT near Eureka in Humboldt County, the U.S. Geological Survey said.
It struck around 7.4 miles west-southwest of Ferndale, the agency said.
A statement credited to the Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services said at least 11 people were injured and two people “have died as a result of medical emergencies occurring during and/or just following the earthquake,”.
Read also:Webinar addresses climate change, green development in Turkey
As many as 80 aftershocks followed, with the most powerful being a 4.6-magnitude jolt that rocked the city of Rio Dell, according to Mark Ghilarducci, director of California’s Office of Emergency Services.
“We live in earthquake country and this another example of the fact that earthquakes can happen at any time without notice. And so it’s really important that we, as Californians, have a plan, have a family plan, have some supplies in case we lose power,” Ghilarducci told reporters at the office’s headquarters in Mather.
State officials urged Humboldt County residents to be prepared for another quake.
There’s a 13% chance of another powerful jolt, of a 5.0-magnitude or stronger, striking in the next week, according to Cynthia Pridmore, a senior engineering geologist with the California Geological Survey.
She told Humboldt County residents to gather food, water, flashlights and other supplies.
“People do need to be prepared, especially if they’re in weakened structures to be mindful of where they’re staying,” she said.
More than 68,000 homes and businesses throughout Humboldt County were still without power by 12:54 p.m. PT, Pacific Gas and Electric reported.
The county sheriff’s office said widespread damage to roads and homes had been reported across the county as it warned residents to “be prepared for aftershocks” and to check gas and water lines for damage or leaks.
A section of the historic Fernbridge in Ferndale was closed due to “possible seismic damage,” the California Department of Transportation said. In a photo it shared online, cracks could be seen on the bridge.
Story was adapted from CNBC.
