A 6.0-magnitude temblor rocked California´s scenic Napa Valley wine country yesterday the strongest to hit the region in a quarter of a century, seriously injuring three and jolting thousands from their sleep. No deaths were reported, but authorities said a child was in critical condition after being crushed by a fireplace and that some 130 people sought minor medical care and that.
Governor Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency in the wake of the 3:20 am quake, which sparked fires, burst water mains, caused gas leaks and even cracked roads. The US Geological Survey said the quake was the most powerful to hit the San Francisco Bay area since the 1989 6.9-magnitude Loma Prieta earthquake.
Many residents of Napa and the surrounding area, home to some of California´s most celebrated wineries, were roused from sleep in a state of panic when the ground started shaking.
