A 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck a remote area in Northern California on the morning of the 24th local time, marking the strongest earthquake in the area since 1940 and leaving some residents injured.
Over one million people across Northern California, and even as far south as Modesto, received earthquake alerts.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the preliminary magnitude of the quake was 5.6, with the epicenter located 12 kilometers northwest of the agricultural town of Willits and a depth of about 8 kilometers. The quake was felt as far as the coastal city of Fort Bragg.
Mendocino County spokesperson Ross stated that local hospitals have reported injuries, but the extent of those injuries is not yet known.
A statement from the Mendocino County Administrative Office noted that power outages affected more than 6,000 residents across six towns near the epicenter. Authorities urged the public to avoid using highways and regular roads to allow crews to inspect and repair damages.
Senior California seismologist Jones said this was the largest earthquake in the area in nearly 90 years, and that this region is not located on a major fault line.
She said, “Earthquakes do occur in this area, but they are usually much smaller than this one.”