Eureka Earthquake, Ferndale Earthquake

Eureka Earthquake, Ferndale Earthquake: A strong earthquake, estimated magnitude 6.5, rocked the Eureka, Calif., area this afternoon, snapping power lines, toppling televisions, disrupting power throughout the region and forcing the evacuation of at least one mall.

The earthquake was centered under the Pacific Ocean, about 25 miles southwest of Eureka, at 4:27 p.m. A tsunami was not expected, according to the National Weather Service.

[Updated 5:57 p.m.: The California Highway Patrol in Eureka reported no major damage to roads and bridges and highways and said roads are open.

"Right now it's very preliminary but there does not seem to be any damage that is overly significant." said Capt. Dale Cannon. "We've got some minor glass breakage, some gas mains affected and some power lines down."

He said he has not heard of reports of any injuries.]

[Updated: 6:27 p.m.: The California Emergency Management Agency said there has been no call from the Eureka area for emergency assistance because only minimal damage has been reported.

"We've had some reports of minor damage, cosmetic damage, windows broken," said Kelly Huston, assistant secretary of the agency. "But so far, it's all very minor, and no damage as far as we can tell to roadways and thoroughfares."