JOLT. A powerful earthquake hits the US state of California Tuesday (Dec. 20, 2022). At least two were reported dead while almost a dozen were hurt. (Anadolu)
HOUSTON, US – A 6.4-magnitude earthquake Tuesday left at least two people dead and nearly a dozen others injured in the US state of California, according to multiple news outlets.
The quake happened near Ferndale, about 210 miles (338 kilometers) northwest of San Francisco, damaging buildings, roads and cutting off power to more than 70,000 homes.
Two have been reported dead and 11 others were hurt, according to the Humboldt County Office of Emergency services.
Roads and homes were also reported throughout the country, the agency tweeted.
At least 80 aftershocks followed, with one being as powerful as 4.6 in magnitude, according to the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES).
"We live in earthquake country, and this another example of the fact that earthquakes can happen at any time without notice," Cal OES director Mark Ghilarducci said at a news conference.
State officials urged residents to be prepared for another quake in the near future, saying there is a 13 percent chance of another powerful jolt of 5 magnitude or stronger striking in the next week.
“People do need to be prepared, especially if they’re in weakened structures, to be mindful of where they’re staying,” geologist Cynthia Pridmore with the California Geological Survey said in a statement. (Anadolu)
