The power is back on in Rio Dell, but 65 residents are still displaced and 3,500 lack safe drinking water just days before the Christmas holiday.
The town is grappling with the aftermath of a 6.4 magnitude earthquake that struck 7.5 miles west of Ferndale in Humboldt County early Tuesday. Two people died and at least 17 were injured.
Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a state of emergency Tuesday.
Although assessments are still being conducted, the temblor was clearly not as destructive as the 6.0 quake that hit Napa County in 2014. Residents did receive an alert on their phones about 10 seconds before the shaking began.
The local fire department has been handing out bottled water. Neighbors and store owners have been supplying each other with batteries and essentials.
Nathan Scheinman, 24, who lost gas, water and power, told the Associated Press he’s not concerned about the Christmas festivities this year.
“I think in the Christmas spirit I want to be there for people the best way I can,” he said.