A powerful quake of magnitude 6.4 on Thursday struck Southern California near the city of Ridgecrest, some 200 miles (320 km) northeast of Los Angeles, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The depth is reported at 8 km (5 miles) causing significant shaking.
Preliminary magnitude was reported at 6.6. A 4.2 pre-shock was recorded 30-minutes prior to the 6.4 event. A 4.7 aftershock has also been recorded, with over 25 aftershocks recorded within an hour after the 6.4 quake. A swarm of smaller quakes have been recorded in recent weeks.
The quake was the largest in Southern California since the 1994 6.6 Northridge quake, which killed dozens and caused billions in damage.
Emergency officials are being flooded with calls:
“We are very much aware of the significant earthquake that just occurred in Southern California. Please DO NOT call 9-1-1 unless there are injuries or other dangerous conditions. Don’t call for questions please,” the LAPD said in a statement.
People from Las Vegas to the Pacific Coast reported feeling a rolling motion that shook shower doors and made hanging dining room light sway.
Some damage being reported in Ridgecrest, Californa. Authorities attending to fires and medical emergency calls in the Ridgecrest area.
LAX Airport reports normal activities and completed inspections of infrastructure.
