Napa Valley tourism hit by earthquake
California is reeling today from a major earthquake early Sunday, which left six people seriusly injured and damaged historic buildings in the Napa Valley.
Tourism infrastructure was also hit in the 6.0 magnitude quake. Over 100 residents were treated at hospital in the Napa Valley, including a child who suffered multiple fractures.
"The majority of injuries that we are seeing are non-life-threatening, but still serious, lots of lacerations and abrasions, obviously from fallen debris," said hospital spokeswoman Vanessa de Gier.
It is the biggest seismic activity felt in the area for 25 years, and was centered six miles south of the historic city of Napa.
The jolt was felt throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and as far east as the Nevada border.
A state of emergency was quickly declared by California Governor Jerry Brown.
The quake caused six major fires, one of which burned down several mobile homes.
The Napa Valley wine region took a direct hit with over a dozen buildings damaged, including wine stores and wineries.
The area is counting the cost of thousands of broken bottles of wine.
B.R. Cohn Winery in Glen Ellen said it has lost as much as 50% of stock, which retails at up to $100 a bottle.
"It’s not just good wine we lost, it’s our best wine," said winemaker Tom Montgomery.
Clay Gregory, CEO of Visit Napa Valley has urged visitors to check before heading to the area over the next few days.
"For travelers coming to the Napa Valley, most businesses are open as usual but we suggest calling first to confirm your plans," Gregory said.
Napa Valley is home to more than 500 wineries and generates over $50 billion in economic impact.
According to the US Geological Survey, 22 aftershocks were later reported, registering up to 3.6 on the Richter scale.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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