Two people were confirmed dead and several others faced injuries after a powerful earthquake struck the California coast at dawn this Tuesday. The quake registered 6.4 on the Richter scale, jolting communities from the coastline inland and sparking emergency responses across multiple counties. Power outages affected roughly 70,000 residents, and medical services treated at least 11 people for injuries sustained during or immediately after the shaking. Local authorities, including the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services (OES), coordinated initial assessments and resource deployments as the region began its response to the event.
Officials stressed the broader impact and the ongoing need to prepare for aftershocks. Humboldt County OES director Mark Ghilarducci noted that up to 80 aftershocks had been recorded in the hours following the initial quake. He reminded residents that California sits in an extensive seismic zone and that earthquakes can occur with little to no warning. His guidance emphasized personal preparedness, urging households to ensure they have emergency supplies, a plan for power outages, and a means to communicate with family members during crisis situations.
USGS data placed the earthquake’s source at a depth just over 16 kilometers. The epicenter was approximately 12 kilometers from the town of Ferndale, giving nearby communities a sense of the distance from the tremor and the potential exposure to ground shaking. The agency continues to monitor aftershocks and assess the evolving impact on infrastructure, including roads, utilities, and essential services. Local responders and state agencies are coordinating to restore power, assess structural safety, and provide shelter and medical support as needed.