California Braces For More Quakes After 7.1 Magnitude Strikes SoCal
6.4-magnitude earthquake that struck same region Thursday just a foreshock
By Infowars.com Saturday, July 06, 2019
A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Southern California on Friday night, eight times more powerful than the 6.4-magnitude earthquake that struck the same region outside Ridgecrest the day before.
Residents reported cracked foundations, swayed buildings, fires, water main breaks and gas leaks, resulting in 130 people staying overnight in a temporary shelter.
Though multiple injuries and fires were reported, no fatalities have occurred, according to local officials.
Tremors were felt as far as Mexico and Las Vegas, Nevada, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency to provide more resources to address the damage after thousands were left without power.
“In response to another large earthquake in Southern California tonight, I have activated the @Cal_OES state operation center to its highest level,” Newsom tweeted. “The state is coordinating mutual aid to local first responders.”
In response to another large earthquake in Southern California tonight, I have activated the @Cal_OES state operation center to its highest level. The state is coordinating mutual aid to local first responders.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) July 6, 2019
According to seismologists, there’s an 11% chance another earthquake at magnitude 7 or greater will strike the area within the next week.
“Every earthquake makes another earthquake more likely and that’s what we’re seeing right here,” Caltech seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones said Friday. “The first one is often not the biggest one.”
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
This comes just a day after Thursday’s 6.4-magnitude earthquake hit the same area in SoCal, which had been the largest in two decades.
Experts say aftershocks can be expected for days to weeks, with some aftershocks of +7 magnitude quakes lasting for years.
