By SDCN Staff
Sacramento, CA–Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency for Humboldt County to support the emergency response to Tuesday’s 6.4 magnitude earthquake near Ferndale.
The earthquake resulted in two fatalities and injured multiple people, caused power outages, and damaged roads, bridges, buildings, and critical infrastructure including water lines and gas lines.
Newsom issued a statement on the emergency response to the earthquake earlier today, including the activation of the State Operations Center to coordinate with local and tribal governments and provide any needed resources such as shelter, food, and water, and aid in damage assessments of buildings and roadways. The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is working with local utilities to rapidly restore power to 70,000 residents.
“Jennifer and I send our heartfelt condolences to the families grieving the loss of loved ones and offer our best wishes for the recovery of those who were injured in this earthquake,” said Governor Newsom. “California stands with the people of Humboldt County and the state has moved quickly to support the emergency response underway with local and tribal partners. I thank all of the women and men who have mobilized to protect public safety and support the community at this challenging time.”
The emergency proclamation enables Humboldt County to access resources under the California Disaster Assistance Act, directs Caltrans to formally request immediate assistance through the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program, and supports impacted residents by easing access to unemployment benefits and waiving fees to replace records such as marriage and birth certificates, among other provisions.
Newsom has also directed state agencies and departments to take appropriate action as necessary to provide support to local communities, including the California Department of Transportation to ensure the safety of roadways, the California Highway Patrol to protect public safety, the California Department of Public Health and Emergency Medical Services Authority to aid local hospitals, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to help address any possible additional emergencies and the California Geological Survey for continued earthquake monitoring.
