A magnitude-6.5 earthquake that hit off the coast of Eureka on Saturday afternoon caused minor property damage and knocked out power in several North Coast communities.
The quake was felt lightly in most of the north state and southern Oregon, but felt strongly in Humboldt County, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.
It was felt as far south as Capitola and as far north as Tiller, Ore., USGS geophysicist Richard Buckmaster said.
At least 12 aftershocks, ranging from magnitude 2.6 to 4.5, occurred after the quake struck at 4:27 p.m. The quake was generated on the Russ Fault, about 22 miles from Ferndale, the USGS reported.
The quake prompted fears of a tsunami, but a Humboldt County sheriff's spokesman said the state Office of Emergency Services announced that no tsunami was generated by the quake.
Authorities in Eureka and other area communities said no major injuries were reported. But several people received minor cuts and scrapes from broken glass at the Bayshore Mall in Eureka, fire spokesman Gary Bird told The Associated Press.
"There are some frayed nerves, but I think we've come through this pretty well for the magnitude of earthquake we've had," he said.
Pacific Gas Electric Co. spokesman J.D. Guidi said power outages were widespread across most of Humboldt County, affecting about 25,000 customers.
Several traffic lights fell and numerous residents reported water, gas and sewer leaks, Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services spokeswoman Jo Wattle said.
"People have chimneys down, and we're hearing about minor property damage and lots of glassware broken," Wattle said. "People are really shaken up. It was shaking pretty good, then it had a big jolt to it at the end."
Police in Ferndale said the quake caused stucco to fall off City Hall and broke shop windows.
Sandra Hall, owner of Antiques and Goodies in Eureka, said furniture fell over, nearly all her lamps broke and the handful of customers in her store got a big scare.
"It was shaking for a very long time," Hall said.
The swaying also was felt by residents throughout the north state.
"We heard the rumbling coming at us," said Judi Lemos, who felt the quake in Weed.
The quivering rattled Martha Rutherford's wind chimes and shook her home three miles west of Round Mountain.
"It was like the whole room was on a wave ... just rolling," Rutherford said.
John and Duveen Elam felt the shaking where they live in Whitmore on West Fern Road.
"It rattled the house and shook the pots and pans," Duveen Elam said.