Petrolia Ca: 6.0 Earthquake Reported in California Feb 4: Maps

by Amy Judd | February 4, 2010 at 03:35 pm

1385 views | 14 Recommendations | 0 comments

Petrolia California was the site of a 6.0 earthquake (later revised to 5.9) today and residents in Humboldt County reported shaking and movement in this area of California, however no reports of damages or injuries at this time.

USGS maps show the epicenter to be about 35 miles northwest of Petrolia and about 50 miles west of Eureka. People for about 150 miles around could feel the earthquake; as far north as Oregon and as far south as Sonoma County. The earthquake happened at about 12:20pm local time.

Residents reported things falling off shelves, but shaking was said to be less severe than the January 9th earthquake that hit the same region and caused over $40 million in damage. This earthquake reportedly lasted about 30 seconds.

Eureka Fire Chief Eric Smith said crews were checking on structures that were damaged in the previous earthquake to make sure they're secure.

Phil Smith-Hanes, the county spokesman, said its Office of Emergency Services had not received any reports of major damage or injuries. "At first blush, it doesn't look like it's a big deal," he said.

It has been determined that this earthquake was not an aftershock of the January 9th quake as it occurred along a different fault line.

This area of California is used to a number of earthquakes every year.