Quake in US’ California leaves 55,000 homes without power

Hindustan Times, 20 Dec, 2022- Over 55,000 homes were left without electricity after a 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of northern California in the United States early Tuesday. The USGS (United States Geological Survey) said the quake was about 16.1 km (10 miles) deep and 12km (7.4 miles) west-southwest of California’s Ferndale, which is about 260 miles from San Francisco.

 There is no risk of a tsunami, the United State’s national tsunami warning system said.

Around a dozen small aftershocks were reported in the area, USGS said, adding that a preliminary assessment indicated a low likelihood of casualties and some damage.
Ferndale is a town of around 15,000 people.

In the town and the surrounding Humboldt County, tens of thousands of homes and businesses were without power. “Power is out across the county. Do not call 911 unless you are experiencing an immediate emergency,” the country’s emergency services tweeted.

Local media also said highway patrol us responding to reports of cracks in a bridge.

The quake came just days after a 3.6 magnitude seismic event struck the San Francisco Bay Area, waking up thousands of people at 3. 39 am Saturday, and causing minor damage.