Govind TekaleRecent earthquake in California have led to the closure of Mattole Road, a heavily traveled major route through Humboldt Redwoods State Park. The road has been shut down indefinitely due to a landslide caused by the earthquakes, which has caused the pavement to buckle. The state park has released new images of the damaged road and advised the public to stay clear of the area. The impacted area spans approximately 90 acres, making it impossible for vehicles to pass. The road will remain closed until repairs can be made.
The road closure is situated 1.5 miles to the west of the junction with Highway 101 and was caused by ground subsidence due to heavy rainfall over the past month. The road buckled as a result of the shifting soil, according to park officials. A large piece of land, which extends up to the ridgeline, is moving downslope, causing the road to move with it. The latest earthquake, measuring 4.2 in magnitude, took place on Wednesday and was located 3.7 miles south of Malibu Beach, according to the National Weather Service. No major injuries or damage were reported.
A 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck the coast of Ferndale in Northern California a month ago, resulting in more than 20 aftershocks. The quake caused significant damage throughout Humboldt County, with cracks on roads, damaged bridges, and buildings falling off their foundations. Tragically, two people lost their lives and 17 others were injured. On December 21st, a 3.1 magnitude earthquake hit the East Bay, followed by a 5.4 magnitude quake near Rio Dell on January 1st, close to Humboldt Redwoods State Park. The exact role of these earthquakes in damaging Mattole Road is unclear, but it is plausible that seismic activity played a part. At present, there is no estimated time for reopening the road. Geologists and engineers will assess the road’s condition when it is safe to do so and determine the next course of action.
