This afternoon Governor Gavin Newsom responded to this morning’s earthquake, proclaiming a state of emergency in Del Norte, Humboldt and Mendocino Counties. The proclamation will allow for more resources to be directed toward emergency response in the area, including equipment, personnel and shelters for any who may be displaced by the quake.
You can read the full text of the emergency proclamation here.
Several schools in the area evacuated or closed today following the quake and subsequent tsunami warning. The Humboldt County Office of Education is compiling a list (which you can find here) of which schools are closed and open today and tomorrow. With the tsunami warning having since been lifted, you might want to check back for updates before assuming your child’s school is closed tomorrow.
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The Redwood Coast Tsunami Workgroup has resources and guides available to learn more about earthquakes, tsunamis, and how to prepare for them.
They have recently updated their comprehensive guide, Living on Shaky Ground, which has vital information on what to do before, during, and after an earthquake.
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The National Weather Service has CANCELLED the tsunami warning. People should continue to be prepared for evacuation in case of significant aftershocks.
If you’re not sure if you’re in a tsunami evacuation zone, check out these tsunami hazard maps from the Redwood Coast Tsunami Work Group, or you can use the interactive map on tsunami.gov.
Several power outages have been reported in the area. You can check for updates and estimated restoration times on the PG&E outages map.
The earlier tsunami warning seems to have caused some traffic congestion in southern Eureka, but all roads appear to still be open. You can check traffic conditions on quickmap.ca.gov.
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The US Geological Survey has reported that a 7.0 magnitude earthquake occurred at 10:44 am about 40 miles northwest of Petrolia, California, along with multiple smaller earthquakes occurring within the same area. A tsunami warning has been issued for areas between Florence, Oregon,and Santa Cruz, California.
College of the Redwoods, which is located within the tsunami zone, has closed campus and canceled classes for the rest of the day. Michelle Holper, a CR representative, told KHSU that the students and staff on faculty who were currently on campus are being evacuated and that it is expected that campus will reopen tomorrow morning.
Cal Poly Humboldt has stated in an email that after consultation with the Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services, the main campus is NOT in the expected tsunami zone, and has instructed students, staff, and faculty to shelter in place.
