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5.6 Earthquake Strikes Northern California [Updated]

By Zach Behrens
February 13, 2012
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Image: Courtesy USGS
Image: Courtesy USGS

An earthquake with a 5.6 magnitude shook a coastal region of Northern California this afternoon, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. It struck at 1:07 p.m. near the community of Weitchpec in Humboldt County. The epicenter was 31 miles northeast of Eureka.

No immediate reports of damage were reported, according to the Times-Standard.

The quake was the second one of noticeable size in Northern California over the last 24 hours. A 4.3 struck near Santa Rosa at 8:47 p.m. on Sunday.

Sizeable earthquakes are always a good reminder to be prepared. Authorities and experts continually remind the public that it's not a matter of if, but when a catastrophic quake will strike California. Check out the San Francisco's 72hours.org and The Great California ShakeOut for more information.

Update: The magnitude was upgraded from 5.5 to 5.6 by the USGS. This story has been updated to reflect the change.

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