SACRAMENTO – Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued an emergency proclamation for the state of California due to the effects of a 6.1 magnitude earthquake in Napa Valley and continued aftershocks that have damaged critical infrastructure, homes and other structures and caused fires and the closure of roads and highways.
The emergency declaration follows a statement issued by Governor Brown earlier this morning.
The full text of the emergency proclamation is below:
A PROCLAMATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY
WHEREAS on August 24, 2014, a 6.1 magnitude earthquake centered in Napa County caused severe damage in that county and the surrounding counties of Solano and Sonoma; and
WHEREAS earthquake aftershocks continue to occur in the region; and
WHEREAS the earthquake has caused structural damage to public and private buildings, and has caused the closure of major highways and roads; and
WHEREAS the earthquake has also damaged critical infrastructure, including power lines, and caused over 69,000 residents to lose power; and
WHEREAS the earthquake has caused fires and may cause additional fires; and
WHEREAS the circumstances of the earthquake, by reason of their magnitude, are or are likely to be beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment and facilities of any single local government and require the combined forces of a mutual aid region or regions to combat; and
WHEREAS under the provisions of section 8558(b) of the California Government Code, I find that conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property exists in Napa, Solano, and Sonoma counties due to these events.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, EDMUND G. BROWN JR., Governor of the State of California, in accordance with the authority vested in me by the State Constitution and statutes, including the California Emergency Services Act, and in particular, section 8625 of the California Government Code, HEREBY PROCLAIM A STATE OF EMERGENCY to exist in the State of California due to the earthquake.
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that all agencies of the state government utilize and employ state personnel, equipment, and facilities for the performance of any and all activities consistent with the direction of the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and the State Emergency Plan. Also, all citizens are to heed the advice of emergency officials with regard to this emergency in order to protect their safety.
I FURTHER DIRECT that as soon as hereafter possible, this proclamation be filed in the Office of the Secretary of State and that widespread publicity and notice be given of this proclamation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 24th day of August 2014.
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EDMUND G. BROWN JR.
Governor of California
ATTEST:
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DEBRA BOWEN
Secretary of State