6.4 magnitude quake in US' California; over 55,000 homes lose power

There is no risk of a tsunami, the United State's national tsunami warning system said.

Over 55,000 homes were left without electricity after a 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of California in the United States early Tuesday.

A view of the damage inside a house, after an earthquake struck off the coast of northern California, in Ferndale, California, U.S. December 20, 2022, in this screengrab obtained from a social media video. Caroline Titus via Twitter/@caroline95536/via REUTERS.

The USGS (United States Geological Survey) said the quake was about 16.1 km (10 miles) deep and 12km (7.4 miles) west-southwest of California's Ferndale, which is about 260 miles from San Francisco.

There is no risk of a tsunami, the United State's national tsunami warning system said. Around a dozen small aftershocks were reported in the area, USGS said. There is a low likelihood of casualties but some damage is likely.

Ferndale is a town of around 15,000 people.

In the town and surrounding Humboldt County, tens of thousands of homes and businesses were without power. "Power is out across the county. Do not call 911 unless you are experiencing an immediate emergency," the county tweeted.

Local media also said California Highway Patrol has been responding to reports of cracks in a bridge over the Eel River.

The quake came just days after a 3.6 magnitude seismic event struck the San Francisco Bay Area, waking up thousands of people at 3. 39 am Saturday. That quake was centered in El Cerrito, around 25 km from downtown San Francisco.

With input from agencies