Northern California was shaken early Sunday morning during the area’s strongest earthquake in 25 years. The earthquake began rumbling around 3:20 a.m. in the South Napa area, waking many from their sleep.
So far, the NoCal Earthquake has injured over 150 people in a short period of time. Historic buildings and roads buckled, and items fell forcefully on residents. Fires flared in the surrounding areas, and over 70,000 people were without power in Sonoma and Napa Valley.
Although the quake only lasted a few seconds, it has caused major issues. The amount of damage is high, but the cost for the repairs is even higher. It is estimated that the natural disaster could cost the area up to $1 billion.
[Image: Noah Berger/AP Photo]
Residents and visitors are continuing to brace themselves for aftershocks. Many remained outside yesterday, for fear that an aftershock would occur after the initial quake and cause more damage to their homes. It’s reportedly safer to be on the streets than in a shaking building, especially since officials are still assessing buildings for damages. As a precaution, Napa Valley schools are closed today.
As cleanup and precaution continues in the area, it’s clear that the NoCal earthquake was not just high in magnitude on the Richter scale. Napa Fire Captain Doug Bridewell told FOX News, “That’s the worst shaking I’ve ever been in.” Fortunately, no deaths have been reported.
[Image: Ellen Knickmeyer/AP Photo]