AI Generated Image
Injuries, widespread power outages reported after 5.6-magnitude quake in rural Northern California
ABC7 Los Angeles • • nation
Key Points:
- A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck Northern California near Willits, Mendocino County, marking the strongest quake in the area since 1940, with an epicenter about 7 miles northwest of Willits and a depth of 5 miles.
- The quake caused some injuries and power outages affecting over 6,000 residents in six nearby towns, though no major structural damage has been reported so far.
- The earthquake was widely felt, including in Fort Bragg and Kelseyville, and was accompanied by smaller aftershocks, with experts noting the region is not on a major fault and such strong quakes are rare.
- Local businesses, such as Club Calpella Restaurant, experienced minor damage like items falling off shelves, while residents reported shaking and falling objects but no serious harm.
- Nearly 657,000 early warning alerts were sent via the MyShake App, with total alerts likely exceeding one million across various public safety systems, aiding preparedness and response efforts.
