Southern California Rocked by Magnitude 7.1 Earthquake
Aftershocks Continue to Plague Region, Raising Concerns
Magnitude 6.4 Quake Precedes Powerful Event
On July 5, 2019, at 8:20 pm local time (July 6 at 03:20 UTC), a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck southern California, centered near the location of a magnitude 6.4 quake that occurred on July 4, 2019. The powerful temblor has sent shockwaves throughout the region, triggering numerous aftershocks and causing widespread damage.
As of July 8, more than 85 aftershocks with magnitudes of 2.5 or greater have been recorded. The largest aftershock, a magnitude 5.4 event, occurred on July 6. Seismologists are closely monitoring the situation and expect aftershocks to continue for several weeks or even months.
The earthquake has caused significant damage to buildings, roads, and bridges. Several buildings in the town of Ridgecrest, which was closest to the epicenter, have been condemned. The temblor also disrupted power and water service to thousands of residents.
Emergency crews are working around the clock to respond to the earthquake and its aftermath. The California National Guard has been deployed to the area to assist with search and rescue efforts. President Trump has declared a state of emergency for California, which will allow the federal government to provide additional resources to the region.
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