At least two people died Tuesday after an earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale struck off the coast of California in the early hours of the morning.
Local authorities have reported that two people «died as a result of medical emergencies that occurred during or just after the earthquake,» while eleven people have been injured.
In addition, about 70,000 people have been left without power. «Damage is currently being assessed, with significant structural damage, including gas and water lines,» according to a statement from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services (OES).
OES Director Mark Ghilarducci reported that up to 80 aftershocks have been recorded. «We live in earthquake country and this is another example that earthquakes can happen at any time without warning,» Ghilarducci said in remarks picked up by NBC News.
«It’s very important that we, as Californians, have a plan,» he said, referring to the need to regroup supplies in the event of power outages.
The epicenter was located about 12 kilometers from the town of Ferndale, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), which identified the origin of the earthquake at a depth of just over 16 kilometers.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
