Earthquake of 6.5 Magnitude Hits off California Coast

FRESNO, California: A 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Northern California Saturday afternoon, shaking buildings south of the Oregon border and knocking out power in several coastal communities.

The quake hit at about 4:27 p.m. PST (0027 GMT Sunday) about 22 miles (35 kilometers) from Ferndale, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

Authorities in the nearby city of Eureka and other area communities said no major injuries have been reported. But several people received minor cuts and scrapes from broken glass at the Bayshore Mall in Eureka, fire spokesman Gary Bird said.

Pacific Gas & Electric Co. spokesman J.D. Guidi said power outages were widespread across most of Humboldt County, affecting about 25,000 customers.

Several traffic lights fell and numerous residents reported water, gas and sewer leaks, Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services spokeswoman Jo Wattle said.

According to the USGS, the quake hit at a depth of nearly 10 miles (16 kilometers). Seven aftershocks followed in the two hours after the quake, the biggest registering at 6:21 p.m. PST (0221 GMT Sunday) at a magnitude of 4.5.

Police in Ferndale said the earthquake caused stucco to fall off City Hall and broke shop windows, strewing the historic downtown streets with glass shards.
Earthquake of 6.5
The quake was felt as far south as Capitola in central California, and as far north as central Oregon, USGS geophysicist Richard Buckmaster said.