Gov. Brown declares State of Emergency in wake of largest Bay Area quake since 1989

SACRAMENTO, CA– Gov. Jerry Brown has declared a state of emergency following the 6.0 magnitude earthquake that struck NapaValley early morning Sunday, Aug. 24.

As the damage caused by the earthquake is likely to be overwhelming for services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of local government, a mutual aid region or regions will be required, according to the governor's office.

State government agencies were ordered to utilize and employ state personnel, equipment, and facilities to perform duties that align with the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and the State Emergency Plan.

Brown Cited aftershocks in the region, risk of fires, structural damage to various buildings, road and highway closures, and damage to infrastructure that caused power outages to more than 69 thousand residents as reasons for the declaration.

The quake, which occurred at 3:20 a.m. southwest of Napa, has left at least 87 people injured, three of them critically.

It is the largest Bay Area earthquake since 1989’s 6.9 magnitude Loma Prieta quake.

Citizens are urged to follow directions and advice from emergency officials.

Those who believe they may have been exposed to a gas leak as a result of the earthquake are asked to report the suspected leak to Pacific Gas & Electric Company at 1-800-743-5002 as soon as possible.

NBC is covering the aftermath of the quake live.