A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck just six miles southwest of Napa, California which is considered as the strongest quake that jolted Northern California for the past 25 years. The earthquake struck early Sunday, August 24, 2014 (US Time) causing injuries dozens of people, damaging historic building in California’s famed wine country.
The earthquake that hit California is the largest earthquake to hit the San Francisco Bay Area in 25 years, it ruptured water mains and gas lines damaging some of its landmarks and historic buildings, while dazed residents were too fearful of aftershocks.
The top officials of California particularly Gov. Jerry Brown already declared a state of emergency for Southern Napa County, directing state agencies to respond with equipment and personnel. The country’s President was also briefed on the earthquake and the federal officials were in touch with state and local emergency responders.
The Napa Fire Department also reported a total of 50 gas leaks caused by the earthquake, they also responded in at least six fires after 60 water mains ruptured.
According to the latest medical reports at least 120 people were already brought to the Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa. Most of the patients caused by the earthquake suffered cuts, bumps and bruises, those injuries happened when the residents tried to flee their homes or while cleaning up the rubles.
Meanwhile based upon the USGS report, the depth of the earthquake was just under seven miles, and was followed by numerous aftershocks.