At least two people are dead after a 6.4-magnitude earthquake hit northern California early Tuesday morning.
The Humboldt Sheriff’s Office shared the death toll in a news release hours after the earthquake’s strike, stating that “two individuals have diedas a result of medical emergencies occurring during and/or just following the earthquake.”
Eleven people were also injured, per the HSO.
The sheriff’s office added that more than 50,000 households are also still without power as of 5 p.m. local time Tuesday.
Governor Gavin Newsom shared his condolences andreacted to the damagein a statement shared on his official Twitter page.
“Jennifer and I send our heartfelt condolences to the families grieving the loss of loved ones and offer our best wishes for the recovery of those who were injured in this earthquake,” he began. “California stands with the people of Humboldt County and the state has quickly moved to support the emergency response underway with local and tribal partners.”
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He concluded, “I thank all of the women and men who have mobilized to protect public safety and support the community at this challenging time.”
One person in Rio Dell, California, died, the city’s mayor Debra Garnes toldThe Los Angeles Times.
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Describing the natural disaster, Garnes toldThe Times"It was the most intense earthquake that I’ve felt. It was a long-duration earthquake, so it was not only significant in size at 6.4, it was also long."
The HSO previously said that two people were injured, however, they were expected to recover.
The quake struck the Eureka area just after 2:30 a.m. local time, according to theU.S. Geological Survey. It marked the strongest earthquake California had seen in years,USA Todayreported.
Sgt. Caleb Carsey with the California Highway Patrol in Humboldt County described the earthquake as “pretty violent,” noting there’s been extensive damage to roads and homes in Rio Dell, Fortuna, Ferndale and Scotia in the Eel River Valley, according toTheLos Angeles Times.
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One local resident toldThe New York Timesthat although he had been through other earthquakes, he’d “never felt one that hard.”
The “earth was just slamming up and down,” Joe Filyau, 59, told the newspaper. “Everything in the house is just everywhere.”
Officials in Humboldt County are also advising residents to “check gas and water lines for damages or leaks” and to “exercise caution if traveling.”
According to the National Tsunami Warning Center, there’sno threat of tsunami.
source: people.com
