Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

Recovery efforts continue following yesterday’s 6.4M earthquake causing significant damages to the Eel River Valley community.


CURRENT SITUATION

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) remains activated and is coordinating with local, regional and state partners. 


At least 17 injuries have been reported as a result of the earthquake. As previously reported, two elderly individuals with preexisting conditions have died as a result of medical emergencies occurring during and/or just following the earthquake. Their conditions are believed to have been exacerbated by the stress of the earthquake. 


Approximately 3,400 residents in the Rio Dell community are without water. A Boil Water Advisory has been issued for the city of Rio Dell and the following Fortuna neighborhoods:  Forest Hills Drive, Newell Drive, Valley View Drive, Boyden Lane, Scenic Drive, and Cypress Loop Rd. Residents impacted by these advisories should not drink the water without boiling it first for at least one minute. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking and food preparation until Potable water is available at the following locations: Rio Dell Fire Hall, 50 West Center Street, Rio Dell and Rohner Park Pavilion, 9 Park Street, Fortuna.


Pacific Gas and Electric Company is actively working to restore power to those who remain without today.


Damage assessments continue today in impacted areas. At least 30 residences and one commercial structure have been determined structurally unsafe. Total cost of damages has not yet been determined. State Route 211 at Fernbridge remains closed due to damages. CalTrans crews are onsite conducting repairs. There is no estimated time of reopening. Residents are encouraged to utilize an alternative route.


Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal has proclaimed a Local Emergency as a result of the widespread damages sustained throughout Humboldt County. The declaration allows for the county to seek state and federal reimbursement for damage repairs and other associated impacts. The cities of Eureka and Rio Dell have also proclaimed local emergencies for their jurisdictions. Yesterday evening, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for Humboldt County to support the emergency response.


RESOURCES FOR THE COMMUNITY

OVERNIGHT SHELTER:

The American Red Cross-Gold Country Region has established an overnight shelter for community members displaced due to earthquake damages in Humboldt County. The Overnight

Shelter is located at the Rohner Park Firemen’s Pavilion, 9 Park Street, Fortuna, CA. At this site, community members will be able to access temporary indoor overnight shelter accommodations, meals, water, electronics charging and earthquake information. Small animal sheltering is also available at this location. For shelter-specific questions and information, contact 707-506-5083.


DONATIONS

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services is not currently accepting material donations. Please do not drop off donations at the Firemen’s Pavilion. 

To make a financial donation, please contact:

  • Pay it Forward Humboldt: 707-616-9191, payitforwardhumboldt@gmail.com

  • American Red Cross: 1-800-435-7669, redcross.org


REPORT DAMAGES

Residents are encouraged to report earthquake damages to the Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services at: https://humboldtgov.org/FormCenter/Office-of-Emergency-Services-23/Damage-Report-20221220-Earthquake-216


FOR MORE INFORMATION

For updated information regarding the Humboldt County earthquake response, please go to humboldtsheriff.org/emergency and visit @HumCoOES on Facebook and Twitter, or call 707-268-2500.