2nd strong earthquake in as many days rattles Southern California
A 7.1-magnitude earthquake rocked the city of Ridgecrest, California on July 5, making it the most severe earthquake that southern California had been hit with since 1999. This earthquake was five times bigger and 11 times stronger than the one which struck the same area the day before.
After Southern California experienced its most powerful earthquake in decades on Independence Day, an even stronger temblor shook the region late Friday.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported a magnitude 7.1 earthquake hit 11 miles north-northeast of Ridgecrest, California, shortly after 8 p.m. PDT. Hundreds of aftershocks have followed this powerful earthquake.
This is the region's largest earthquake in 20 years, according to KABC-TV. There have been only 12 other earthquakes in California with a magnitude over 7.0 since 1857.
Shaking was felt in much of central and Southern California, southern Nevada and as far south as Mexico, according to the USGS.
Multiple structure fires were reported in Ridgecrest, mainly as a result of gas leaks or gas line breaks, according to Mark Ghillarducci, director of the California Office of Emergency Services.
As many as 50 structures in the nearby town of Trona were damaged, according to the Associated Press (AP).
While several injuries occurred as a result of the earthquake, there have been no fatalities.
A rockslide had shut down State Route 178 in the Kern River Canyon, according to Caltrans. The roadway has since reopened.
San Bernardino County Fire said that the earthquake shifted homes, cracked foundations and downed retaining walls in northwest portions of the county. One person was treated with a minor injury. A state of emergency has been declared in the county.
On Saturday, California Governor Gavin Newsom requested a Presidential Emergency Declaration for Direct Federal Assistance to aid the communities impacted by the earthquakes. President Donald Trump called Newsom on Saturday afternoon and expressed commitment to help in the California recovery efforts, according to the AP.
Shelters that were open after the earthquake shook the county took in a little under 200 people, Ghilarducci said in a press conference held Saturday morning.
"As a series of aftershocks are occurring, it makes logical sense that people are concerned about being in their homes," Ghilarducci said.
For anyone concerned about being indoors or engaged in earthquake cleanup operations, it will be important to stay cool and hydrated with the heat to come. The Cal OES will be making efforts to provide cooling centers to prevent secondary issues, according to Ghilarducci.
"AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures will still climb to around 100 and create dangers for anyone engaging in earthquake cleanup operations or those fearful to be indoors in air conditioning," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski.
During the middle and latter part of the week, temperatures will trend upward with AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures approaching or reaching 110 in Ridgecrest, according to Pydynowski.
Cal Fire is also monitoring fire weather activity in regards to the potential for fires.
"Winds will ramp up around Ridgecrest and the California deserts for Sunday and Monday afternoon, with gusts of 30-40 mph" Pydynowski said. "The wind can kick up areas of blowing dust and spread any fires that break out."
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) said localized power outages occurred in several Los Angeles neighborhoods.
"The LAFD has concluded the systematic survey of the City of Los Angeles by ground and air, and is pleased to report that no major infrastructure damage was noted by our personnel in the City of Los Angeles, and that there has been no loss of life or serious injury that we can directly attribute to the widely felt 8:19 PM earthquake," they said in a statement.
Southern California rendered Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake not mission-capable until further notice following the quakes. A post to the base's Facebook page said non-essential active duty, drilling reservists, civilian employees and dependents are authorized to evacuate to a radius of 100 miles from Naval Base Ventura County.
Las Vegas Fire & Rescue said that no damage has occurred in southern Nevada. The city of Pasadena, California, also reported no damage from the earthquake.
Los Angeles International Airport said their airfields and terminals did not sustain damage. There were no flight delays related to the earthquake.
The airport in Ontario, California, closed for a time on Friday night.
Metrolink train lines were delayed in Southern California as crews inspected tracks for damage on Friday night.
The NBA Summer League game between the New York Knicks and the New Orleans Pelicans in Las Vegas was suspended with 7:53 remaining in the fourth quarter as shaking was felt inside the arena. The shot clock and scoreboard were seen swaying during the incident. The game was eventually postponed.
Shaking was also felt during the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers game at Dodger Stadium. The game continued to be played with no delay.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there was no threat of any tsunami.
Seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones said Thursday's magnitude 6.4 earthquake would now be considered a foreshock to Friday's larger temblor.
There is also a 27% chance there could be another quake of 6.0 or greater, Caltech seismologist Egill Hauksson told ABC 7.
Jones posted a tweet Friday night estimating that there's a 1 in 10 chance that Searles Valley will see another earthquake of a magnitude of 7.0, and added there is a 9 in 10 chance that Friday's magnitude 7.1 will be the largest in the sequence of earthquakes.
On Saturday, she stated that the sequence of aftershocks following Friday's quake was decaying on the high side of average, making it less likely for a larger temblor to follow.
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