In an effort to help Humboldt County residents get on the road to recovery following a magnitude 6.4 earthquake, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is deploying assessment and recovery personnel and resources in the following days.
Assessing and Repairing Damages
Cal OES is coordinating with Humboldt County officials and state agency leaders including, the California Department of General Services (DGS) through the Division of the State Architect (DSA), to conduct structural safety assessments on buildings that sustained damages during the earthquake. In particular, the DSA is deploying a specialist to inspect the damage at Eagle Prairie Elementary School. The DSA provides design and construction oversight for K–12 schools, community colleges, and various other state-owned and state-leased facilities to ensure that they comply with all structural, accessibility, and fire and life safety codes.
In addition, Cal OES is working with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for crews to continue assessing the damage and begin repairs to the Fernbridge along State Route 211.
Power Restored
Cal OES worked closely with PG&E to restore power to the nearly 70,000 residents impacted by Tuesday’s earthquake.
Pre-Positioned Resources
Cal OES continues to work with local officials, tribal governments, and state agencies to provide needed resources to local communities. The Cal OES Disaster Logistics team, Cal OES has staged resources in Garberville for immediate deployment if necessary:
- Water pallets: 19
- Cots: 200
- Blankets: 400
- Comfort kits: 200
- Meals Ready to Eat (MREs): 1,200
- Generators: 4
About the Earthquake
On Tuesday, December 20, at 2:34 a.m., a 6.4 magnitude earthquake occurred approximately 8 miles of Ferndale. The earthquake injured multiple people and caused power outages and damaged roads, bridges, buildings and critical infrastructure including water lines and gas lines. In response, Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency.