CALIFORNIA - A magnitude 6.0 earthquake shook Northern California early Sunday causing widespread infrastructural damage and power outages in Napa and in the surrounding counties of Solano and Sonoma. Though the quake’s epicenter was about 9 miles south of Napa, vineyards in the area have reported minimal damage.
The temblor occurred at 3:20 a.m. and was felt as far south as Santa Cruz and into Sonoma County, according to LA Times, while NY Times reports shaking could be felt in Salinas. It was reported to be Northern California’s strongest earthquake to hit since the infamous magnitude 6.9 Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) states that the earthquake occurred within 44 miles of a set of major faults along the San Andreas Fault system that forms the boundary between the Pacific and North American tectonic plates.
Governor Jerry Brown has since declared a state of emergency, noting that public safety officials are doing all they can to help residents. “Those living in affected areas should follow their guidance and instruction,” said Brown in a statement.
Reports suggest numerous antiquated buildings were damaged during the quake, while Pacific Gas & Electric says 20,786 homes and businesses were left without power. Many of these damaged buildings were in an older area of Napa, USA Today reports. Homes and buildings away from the city’s center suffered less damage. USGS says the estimated damage could be up to $1 billion.
“The regions around Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga seem to have experienced minimal damage and disruption,” said Clay Gregory, President and CEO of Visit Napa Valley, according to USA Today. “For travelers coming to the Napa Valley, most businesses are open as usual.”
USGS predicts that the probability of a strong and possibly damaging aftershock this week is approximately 36 percent. There is a smaller chance at around 5 to 10 percent that an earthquake equal to or larger than the main shock will occur in the next 7 days. Approximately 15 to 50 small aftershocks are expected in the same period and may be felt locally.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for any further updates on the situation.
