The ground beneath Northern California trembled early Wednesday morning as a 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck Mendocino County, sending shockwaves through communities and leaving residents in awe of the earth’s power. The epicenter was located near Redwood Valley, approximately nine miles north of Ukiah, the county seat, and about 115 miles north of San Francisco.

The seismic event, initially reported as a 6.0 magnitude quake by the MyShake Alert system, was felt across a wide area, with residents describing the intense shaking as akin to a freight train passing through their homes. The earthquake occurred at around 8:15 a.m., with its effects rippling through the region, causing minor injuries, structural damage, and power outages.

Residents share their experiences

Residents across the affected areas shared their harrowing experiences of the earthquake. Moneca Vargas, a long-time Ukiah resident, described it as the largest earthquake she had ever felt in her 54 years. “My whole house shook,” she recounted, highlighting the intensity of the seismic activity.

In Redwood Valley, a resident reported that their roof had caved in due to the force of the quake. Meanwhile, in Potter Valley, about 20 miles northeast of Ukiah, pictures and vases were knocked off walls and shelves. Daniel Alonzo, a Ukiah resident, described the shaking as severe and scary, likening it to being on a roller coaster. “It felt like the structure of my house had cracked,” he said, emphasizing the fear and uncertainty that accompanied the event.

Holly Woods, from Kelseyville, about 40 miles from Ukiah, was cuddling with her dogs when the earthquake struck. “It rock-n-rolled us,” she said, describing how items flew off shelves and the ground beneath her moved violently. The shared experiences of residents paint a vivid picture of the earthquake’s impact on the community.

Assessing the damage and aftermath

The earthquake caused a range of damage, from cracked home structures to broken water pipes and fallen pictures and vases. In Willits, about 30 miles north of Ukiah, the Safeway store suffered several broken water lines, leading to an evacuation and the need for first responders to check for gas or electricity issues. Willits Mayor Tom Allman described the scene as a “mess” with people cleaning up glass and shelves.

Power outages were a significant issue following the earthquake, with approximately 10,000 PG&E customers initially without electricity. By 8:45 a.m., this number had decreased to around 8,000, and by 5:35 p.m., over half of the customers had had their power restored. However, 4,660 customers still remained without electricity.

The earthquake also triggered numerous aftershocks, with magnitudes up to 4.0 expected. Robert Michael De Groot, a physical scientist with the USGS, reminded residents that this is “earthquake country” and that they should be prepared for more shaking. The Mendocino County Executive Office reported some injuries but no deaths, emphasizing the need for caution and preparedness in the aftermath of the seismic event.

Expert insights and future preparedness

Experts weighed in on the significance of the earthquake and its implications for the region. UC Berkeley Seismology Lab research scientist Amy Williamson noted that this was the largest quake on the Maacama Fault, an extension of the Hayward Fault, in 75 years. The fault’s proximity to the epicenter highlighted the ongoing seismic activity in the area.

Governor Gavin Newsom’s office confirmed that the governor had been briefed on the quake and was coordinating with emergency officials to assess the impacts and damage. State Sen. Mike McGuire reported that damage assessments were ongoing, with no early reports of major public infrastructure damage in Ukiah or Willits, including hospitals and sewer systems. However, outages affecting water and power were being reported.

As the region continues to assess the damage and prepare for potential aftershocks, residents are reminded of the importance of earthquake preparedness. The recent seismic activity serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the need for communities to be ready for such events. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, residents can better protect themselves and their properties in the face of future earthquakes.