Magnitude 5.6 Earthquake Strikes Near Redwood Valley, Leads to Power Outages
Damage assessments are ongoing
This story will be updated as more information is available
A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck 7 miles (11 kilometers) north of Redwood Valley at 8:10 a.m. Wednesday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Updates:
According to the National Tsunami Warning Center no Tsunami is expected (9:58 a.m.)
Long Valley Health Center In Laytonville is running on backup generators (9:32 a.m., source MCSO)
The Round Valley Indian Health Center in Covelo is running on backup generators (9:33 a.m., source MCSO)
Readers are reminded to check their own infrastructure for damage to water or gas lines (10:09 a.m.)
The quake occurred at a depth of approximately 5 miles and was followed by aftershocks in the area that ranged from magnitudes of 1 to about 2.7 at depths that varied from 1 to 5 miles.
Reports of shaking were received throughout Mendocino County, with officials beginning damage assessments shortly after the earthquake. There are no early reports of major infrastructure damage.
Mendocino County Sheriff Matt Kendall said authorities are responding to sporadic power outages in and around Willits and Laytonville.
PG&E is reporting outages affecting more than 500 people in five areas.
At Adventist Health Howard Memorial Hospital in Willits, items were reportedly knocked over during the quake. Hospital staff are conducting damage assessments to determine whether any structural or operational impacts occurred.
Kendall said city public works crews in Willits are also inspecting infrastructure and checking for damage.
Officials are urging residents to monitor emergency information sources for updates.
“We want everyone to pay attention to Mendoready.org for further updates,” Kendall said.
Authorities are also asking residents to avoid unnecessary travel while crews assess conditions.
“Please stay off the highways at this point in time,” Kendall said.
As of Wednesday morning, no injuries had been reported. Officials said damage assessments were ongoing and additional information would be released as it becomes available.
Residents who experienced damage are encouraged to report it to local authorities and remain alert for possible aftershocks.
The U.S. Geological Survey asks residents to participate in earthquake early warning research by sharing their experiences at https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/nc75382936/tellus.
Definitely felt the quake in Fort Bragg. It lasted about 30 seconds. I was sitting in the living room and my chair began to slowly vibrate. The lights flickered for a moment, but the power and internet stayed on. I was about to get up and go outside, when the shaking stopped. I did an inspection of the property and did NOT find any damage. Water and electrical systems seem intact and functioning. I did not smell any propane leaks. Nothing seems to have fallen over and the doors seem to still open and close properly. USGS says we had a 5.6 magnitude earthquake about 30 miles from here. Thanks for the up date Elise!!
Thank you, Elise!