HUMBOLDT COUNTY – A big quake off the coast of Humboldt County Saturday afternoon was felt by thousands of people around California, Oregon and Nevada.

The 6.5-magnitude quake occurred at 4:27 p.m., according to the US Geological Survey.

The quake's epicenter was 27 miles west of Ferndale and 33 miles west southwest of Eureka, the US Geological Survey reported. Its depth was recorded at 13.5 miles in the ocean floor.

Fifteen smaller earthquakes followed, eight of which were larger than 3.0 in magnitude, according to US Geological Survey records. They included a 4.5-magnitude earthquake with the same epicenter as the 6.5-magnitude quake.

Caltrans reported late Saturday evening that its crews has responded quickly to inspect roads and bridges in the area after the quake occurred.

Based on an initial assessment, the agency concluded that the highways “performed well” and will remain open. Inspections will continue in the coming days, Caltrans reported.

The US Geological Survey was continuing to receive shake reports from around the region late into the night. Shortly before 2 a.m. Sunday they had received 7,725 responses in 508 zip codes from people who felt the earthquake.

Responses came as far away as Salem, Ore. – nearly 500 miles from the quake – as well as Reno, Nev., and south another 500 miles to Hilmar.

Residents in Lake County – specifically the Nice and Clearlake areas – also reported feeling the quake.

The Associated Press reported that some injuries resulted in Humboldt County, where there were widespread power outages, and damage to utilities and buildings.

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