A moderate earthquake has struck California's northern coast.

The U.S. Geological Survey reports that a magnitude-5.5 quake struck at 1:07 p.m. about 18 miles (30 kilometres) east of Trinidad in a rural, unincorporated area of Humboldt County.

A dispatcher at the sheriff's department says the temblor was widely felt and the shaking lasted 30 to 45 seconds.

The department says there are no immediate reports of injury or damage, but deputies are going out to check.