Recovery efforts continue for those impacted by the Dec. 20, 2022 and Jan. 1 earthquakes.
CURRENT SITUATION
Just after 2:30 am on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, a 6.4M earthquake struck 14 miles from Fortuna, CA. On Sunday, Jan. 1 a magnitude 5.4 aftershock occurred approximately 30 miles south of Eureka, CA just after 10:30 a.m. Community members are advised to be prepared to drop, cover, and hold on in the event of additional aftershocks. For earthquake safety tips, visit: ready.gov/earthquakes.
DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS
Damage assessments are being conducted in areas impacted by today’s 5.4M earthquake.
As a precaution CalTrans temporarily closed State Route 211 at Fernbridge Road to conduct safety inspections. Repair work is underway and State Route 211 at Fernbridge is now open to one way-controlled traffic. Travelers should expect delays as repair work continues and use caution when traveling in the area. For the latest CalTrans road conditions updates go to quickmap.dot.ca.gov or the CalTrans Quickmap app.
Additional damages to residences have been reported in the City of Rio Dell, and building inspections are ongoing.
Approximately 30% of residents in the Rio Dell community are currently without water, though restoration efforts are underway.
It is estimated that half of Rio Dell residents are without power following today’s aftershock. Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is actively working to restore power to those who remain without. To inquire about power restoration or to report a gas leak, contact PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.
Suddenlink is also working to restore internet service to customers in the City of Rio Dell.
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
RED CROSS OVERNIGHT SHELTER
The Red Cross Overnight Shelter located at the Fortuna Firemen’s Pavilion has closed and relocated to Monument Middle School, 95 Center Street, Rio Dell, CA. The new shelter in Rio Dell opened today, Sunday, Jan, 1, at 3:30 p.m. Services provided to overnight shelter guests impacted by the earthquake include temporary overnight sheltering, cots and blankets, hygiene kits, snacks and full meals for shelter guests, water, charging stations and showers. Additionally, the Red Cross is available to connect community members impacted by the earthquake with a variety of other services to aid in the recovery process. To learn more, contact 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800- 733-2767).
RIO DELL SUPPLY DISTRIBUTION
The distribution of water and nonperishable food items at the Rio Dell Community Resource Center will resume on Monday, Jan. 2 at 406 Wildwood Avenue, Rio Dell, CA from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
CLEANUP ASSISTANCE
Rio Dell residents may utilize the two dumpsters located outside of Rio Dell City Hall, at 675 Wildwood Avenue, to dispose of earthquake debris. Please do not dispose of hazardous waste in these receptacles. Hazardous items not fit for disposal in these receptacles include leftover household products that can catch fire, react, or explode under certain circumstances, or that are corrosive or toxic as household hazardous waste. Products, such as paints, cleaners, oils, batteries, and pesticides can contain hazardous ingredients and require special care when you dispose of them. More information regarding hazardous waste disposal can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/hw/household-hazardous-waste-hhw
Residents in Rio Dell who are having trouble getting in touch with their landlords regarding earthquake related repairs to rented dwellings are encouraged to contact the city of Rio Dell at 707-764-3532.
Residents outside of Rio Dell with remaining excess earthquake-related debris should contact their local sanitation provider.
FOOD REPLACEMENT SERVICES
CalFresh recipients who have lost food due to the power outage or earthquake can request replacement benefits by filling out a CF 303 form on the state’s website here, by logging on to their account at Benefitscal.com, visiting the DHHS Social Services Emergency Benefit Replacement web page, or stopping by one of DHHS’s offices.
Additional food assistance programs are available through Food for People. To find a distribution near you visit: https://www.foodforpeople.org/need-food
BUSINESS SUPPORT
Local businesses impacted by the earthquake are asked to complete a Business Recovery Survey created by the County’s Economic Development Department, GoHumCo. This survey will be used to track, monitor, and quantify business losses in Humboldt County following the earthquake. Losses will be totaled and shared with federal and state agencies as we seek outside support for our community. The survey may be accessed here: humboldtgov.org/recoverySurvey.
For more business support resources visit: https://www.gohumco.com/379/Economic-Earthquake-Recovery-Response.
DONATIONS
Financial donations to assist with the response can be made directly to the following:
- Rio Dell Fire Department: Venmo: @RioDellFire-Department, GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/3036e4ec, or mailed to 50 W Center St. Rio Dell, CA 95562
- Pay it Forward Humboldt: 707-616-9191, payitforwardhumboldt@gmail.com
- American Red Cross: 1-800-435-7669, redcross.org
STAY INFORMED
The most important thing you can do while the community recovers is to keep informed.
For updated information regarding the Humboldt County earthquake response, please go to humboldtsheriff.org/emergency and visit @HumCoOES on Facebook and Twitter.
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