6.4 magnitude earthquake hits Southern California

CALIFORNIA: A powerful earthquake of 6.4-magnitude hit Southern California near the city of Ridgecrest, some 200 miles northeast of Los Angeles on Thursday.

It was also the largest temblor to hit the region in decades.

According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake, which was initially reported as a magnitude 6.6, was very shallow - only 5.4 miles - which would have amplified its effect.

 

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The tremors, which were felt as far as Los Angeles, were quickly followed by several smaller aftershocks in the area.

Soon after the incident was reported, the Los Angeles Fire Department said in a tweet that it was a “significant earthquake.”

Taking to Twitter, the Los Angeles Police Department said that the quake, which was centered in the Ridgecrest area, is not suspected to have resulted in any damage in the city itself.

At this time, the LAPD has not received any reports of damage or calls for service within the City of Los Angeles related to the #earthquake. Remember, 911 is only to report emergencies. This was a strong one, and a good reminder to be prepared  https://t.co/fURDNcMhhQ — LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) July 4, 2019

However, it remains unclear whether anyone was injured, or if there was damage caused in other areas.

Meanwhile, the US National Tsunami Warning Center said that a tsunami is not expected to follow the quake.

Tsunami Info Stmt: M6.5 055mi NW Barstow, California 1034PDT Jul 4: Tsunami NOT expected; CA,OR,WA,BC,and AK

#NTWC — NWS Tsunami Alerts (@NWS_NTWC) July 4, 2019

 

California is on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire and is prone to earthquakes.