After a powerful earthquake struck northern California, at least two people have been hurt and tens of thousands of homes and businesses are without electricity.
The “insane” 6.4-magnitude earthquake, which had its epicentre right off the coast and was roughly 10 miles (16 km) deep, occurred on Tuesday at 2.34am local time (10.34am UK time), however there was no tsunami threat.
The shaking reportedly lasted up to 20 seconds, according to the locals.
In Humboldt County, the earthquake occurred close to the town of Ferndale.
The US Geological Survey reported that later, the area looked to be hit by more than a dozen minor quakes.
Power lines were downed, there were multiple gas leaks, and the main earthquake severely damaged many homes, roads, and a bridge.
There are approximately 1,400 people living in Ferndale, which is situated 261 miles (420 kilometres) north of San Francisco and the scene of the two injuries.
According to the sheriff’s office, one victim received a broken hip and another sustained a head injury.
According to the tracking website Poweroutageus.com, there and around the county, more than 72,000 homes and businesses were without electricity.
Additionally, concerns of cracks in the Ferndale bridge crossing the Eel River into and out of Ferndale prompted the California Highway Patrol to take action.
“That was huge.”
Ferndale resident Caroline Titus shared a video of overturned furniture and broken dishes in her pitch-black house.
Our Victorian house dates back 140 years. What fell clearly shows the north-south shaking,” she tweeted.
She added in a another message, “That was a big one.”
Jimmy Eller, a different Twitter user who claimed to reside in Humboldt County, stated: “That earthquake was insane. 15 to 20 seconds of significant shaking
Additionally, the sheriff’s office tweeted: “Humboldt County has reported significant damage to homes and roadways as a result of a strong earthquake.
“Be on the lookout for aftershocks. Check for damage or leaks in the water and gas lines. Be careful when travelling.
