At least 2 dead as 6.4-magnitude earthquake hits US state of California

By Darren Lyn

HOUSTON, US (AA) - A 6.4-magnitude earthquake Tuesday left at least two people dead and nearly a dozen others injured in the US state of California, according to multiple news outlets.

The quake happened near Ferndale, about 210 miles (338 kilometers) northwest of San Francisco, damaging buildings, roads and cutting off power to more than 70,000 homes.

Two people “have died as a result of medical emergencies occurring during and/or just following the earthquake," said the Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services in a statement, which added that at least 11 others were injured.

"Widespread damage to roads and homes is reported throughout Humboldt County. Be prepared for aftershocks," the agency also tweeted.

At least 80 aftershocks followed, with one being as powerful as 4.6 in magnitude, according to the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES).

"We live in earthquake country, and this another example of the fact that earthquakes can happen at any time without notice," said Cal OES director Mark Ghilarducci at a news conference.

State officials urged residents to be prepared for another quake in the near future, saying there is a 13% chance of another powerful jolt of 5.0 magnitude or stronger striking in the next week.​​​​​​​

“People do need to be prepared, especially if they’re in weakened structures, to be mindful of where they’re staying,” said geologist Cynthia Pridmore with the California Geological Survey in a statement.