Magnitude 5.5 earthquake hits California near Pacific Coast

The US Geological Survey says a magnitude 5.5 earthquake has hit near the Pacific coast of Northern California. The agency says the earthquake struck at 8:53 pm at a spot 17.3 miles (27.9 kilometres) southwest of Scotia, a town of 850 people.

The earthquake had a depth of 5.6 miles (9 kilometres). Media reports say the earthquake was felt in the region.

There are no immediate reports of damage.