‘Significant’ Damages in Rio Dell Area, Says Humboldt Office of Emergency Services; 11 Injuries, Two Dead from Medical Emergencies

Recovery efforts are underway following a 6.4M earthquake early this morning causing significant damages to the Eel River Valley community.

CURRENT SITUATION

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) has been activated in response to this emergency and is coordinating with local, regional and state partners. 

Approximately 11 individuals have been reported as injured. Additionally, two individuals have died as a result of medical emergencies occurring during and/or just following the earthquake. Power remains off for over 70,000 customers in the county. Pacific Gas and Electric Company is actively working to restore power with no estimated time of restoration. 

Damage assessments are currently underway, with significant structural damages, including gas and water lines, observed in the Rio Dell community and moderate damages to properties throughout the Eel River Valley. 

A press conference has been scheduled for 2 p.m today at the Rio Dell City Hall (675 Wildwood Ave, Rio Dell, CA 95562) for credentialed members of the media. A live stream of this conference will be available on the Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services Facebook Page, technology allowing. 

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

CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS

The following roads are closed due to damages:

• Monument Road southwest of Rio Dell
• Tompkins Hill Road at Hookton Road
• Walnut Drive at Greenbriar Lane.
• SR 211 at Fernbridge 

Residents are encouraged to visit http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ to check for updated state highway closures. 

RESOURCES FOR THE COMMUNITY

The City of Eureka will have a “charging center” available at the Eureka Municipal Auditorium, 1120 F Street from 10 AM until 5 PM today, December 20, 2022. The auditorium will have power available for residents to charge phones, tablets and necessary medical equipment. Please dress warmly as the Muni is a large building and difficult to heat.

Humboldt County OES is actively coordinating with the American Red Cross to establish a Local Assistance Center for impacted residents in the Eel River Valley. More information regarding this center will be released when available.

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.