A powerful earthquake rocked Southern California on Friday, which at first measurement was stronger than the one that hit on Independence Day and therefore could be the biggest quake to hit the region in 20 years.
The U.S. Geological Survey measured a preliminary 7.1-magnitude earthquake hitting at about 8:20 p.m. local time on Friday about 10 and a half miles from Ridgecrest, roughly 150 miles north of Los Angeles. This is around the same spot where Thursday’s 6.4-magnitude earthquake, now considered a foreshock, hit.
Kern County fire officials reported “multiple injuries and multiple fires” without providing details. The quake is now considered a “major earthquake” on the Richter magnitude scale, which is one class below a “great earthquake.”
Shaking could be felt for hundreds of miles around, including in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, and there were reports of cracked roads and buildings as well as isolated fires.
⚠️ #Earthquake #CAquake #LAquake ⚠️ Felt widely in #LosAngeles: Prepare For Aftershocks. When Shaking Starts: DROP, COVER, HOLD ON! ⚠️ #Earthquake #CAquake #LAquake ⚠️ Felt widely in #LosAngeles: Prepare For Aftershocks. When Shaking Starts: DROP, COVER, HOLD ON!
— LAFD (@LAFD) July 6, 2019
After the main quake, USGS reported more than a dozen smaller aftershocks.
13 aftershocks so far, largest 4.7
according to USGS.— Jovana Lara (@abc7jovana) July 6, 2019
Southern California seismologist Lucy Jones said the earthquakes over the past two days are along the same fault system, and there is a 1 in 20 chance of a bigger quake to follow. She also said smaller quakes are possible.
Like any quake, today’s M7.1 has a 1 in 20 of being followed by something even bigger. Smaller quakes – M5s are likely and a M6 is quite possible.
— Dr. Lucy Jones (@DrLucyJones) July 6, 2019
Friday’s earthquake, if the 7.1-magnitude figure holds, will be the strongest earthquake to hit Southern California in roughly 20 years. Although the epicenter was in a rather remote area, the impact was felt by more than 20 million people and was up to 11 times stronger than the quake on Thursday. Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency after the Thursday earthquake, unlocking resources to be used to assist local first responders.
Newsom announced on Friday after the second quake that he had activated his Office of Emergency Services’ “state operation center to its highest level. The state is coordinating mutual aid to local first responders.” The Democrat also said he spoke to Ridgecrest Mayor Peggy Breeden to offer support.
Just spoke with Ridgecrest Mayor Peggy Breeden. The support of all Californians are with the people of her community and the surrounding areas.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) July 6, 2019
The earthquake was caught on cameras as news stations and sporting events were on air.
WATCH: @CBSLA anchors seek shelter under desk during live broadcast when 6.9 magnitude Southern California earthquake strikes pic.twitter.com/hB7wyWulQD
— Evan Rosenfeld (@Evan_Rosenfeld) July 6, 2019
#EarthquakeLA pic.twitter.com/yDOOEYSk4j
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 6, 2019
Pelicans-Knicks Summer League game stopped after earth quake in Vegas, fans and players head for the exits pic.twitter.com/6t9z579qTX
— gifdsports (@gifdsports) July 6, 2019
People also shared video of the earthquake shaking the water in their pools and the furniture inside their homes.
Omg yes! In Bakersfield #earthquake pic.twitter.com/I8KUudRZVR
— Giovanna Gomez (@gmlggg) July 6, 2019
BREAKING: Receiving first photos from a contact in #Ridgecrest from inside her house after massive quake. Says she’s cut. @FOXLA pic.twitter.com/Gx3rXbRhNO
— Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) July 6, 2019
From my mom @mom2five1 in Ridgecrest California @ABC7 pic.twitter.com/iZSxoJsSXU
— JD (@jedent) July 6, 2019
We’re having dinner at the highest building in the Coachella valley… #EarthquakeLA #Aftershock pic.twitter.com/VDvTQ9XmcK
— mcgregor (@jeffreymcgregor) July 6, 2019
