6.4-magnitude earthquake hits California, leaving thousands without power and 2 dead

A 6.4-magnitude earthquake hit the northern coast of California early on Tuesday morning, leaving behind damaged bridges, buildings, and powerlines. At least 11 people were injured, two were killed, and thousands of homes were left without electricity. 

The quake hit at around 2:30 a.m. PST, centered about 215 miles (350 km) north of San Francisco, in the rural area of Humboldt County. At least three dozen aftershocks followed the quake, most with a magnitude between 4.6 and 2.5, according to U.S. Geological Survey.

The tremor caused two buildings to collapse and set one structure on fire, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire). Additionally, one person needed rescuing after becoming trapped, said the department spokesperson Tran Beyea. 

At least two people died “as a result of medical emergencies occurring during and/or just following the earthquake,” said Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services. 

Around 79,000 homes and businesses—72% of all of those in the county—were left without power in the area, according to the electric grid tracking website PowerOutage.us. 

Personnel was sent to assess the utility’s gas and electric system for any additional damage, according to company spokesperson Karly Hernandez. By noon local time, at least 69,000 were still without power. 

The California Highway Patrol closed several roads due to an increased risk that the roadway foundation could slide. One section of a roadway was reportedly sinking in Humboldt County, added the agency.