6.5 magnitude earthquake hits off California coast

January 10, 2010

According to the United States Geological Survey, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.5 hit North California today. The epicentre was west of Ferndale, CA and  northwest of San Francisco, CA, with a depth of.

Media reports indicate that there is a power outage, and ruptured gas lines in several areas. Only minor injuries were reported, with several people being taken to St. Joseph's Hospital from a local mall by ambulance.

One resident, Cole Machado, told CNN that "I was talking on the phone and all of a sudden it started shaking. I thought my TV was going to fall over,". Power and phone lines in his neighborhood were cut by downed trees.

No tsunami warnings were issued due to the tremors. Following the earthquake, there were numerous aftershocks, the strongest being at a magnitude of 4.5.