Breaking News: Major Earthquake Rocks Southern California
A strong earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter Scale shook Southern California on Friday evening. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the city of Ridgecrest, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), with tremors felt across the region.
Reports from local authorities indicate that there has been severe damage to buildings, roads, and other infrastructure across the region. The quake was felt as far away as Los Angeles, which is about 125 miles away from the epicenter.
The earthquake struck at 8:19 p.m. local time, and lasted for several minutes. There are reports of power outages, gas leaks, and several fires breaking out across the region.
Multiple aftershocks have been reported, with some of them measuring up to 6.2 on the Richter Scale. The USGS has warned that there is a high likelihood of more aftershocks in the coming days.
In the wake of the earthquake, residents are being urged to be cautious and prepared for further seismic activity. The California Governor, Gavin Newsom, has declared a state of emergency for the affected areas, mobilizing resources to assist with rescue and recovery efforts.
This earthquake serves as a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness, and the need to have emergency supplies and evacuation plans in place. Fortunately, there have been no reported fatalities from the earthquake, but the full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
The earthquake is the largest to hit Southern California since 1999, and comes just a day after another moderate earthquake struck the same region. The USGS has warned that there is a high chance of a major earthquake hitting the region in the next few years, and that residents need to be prepared.
The earthquake is also a reminder of the importance of investing in earthquake-resistant infrastructure, and improving building standards to prevent catastrophic damage in the event of a major quake.
Overall, the earthquake serves as a wake-up call for residents and authorities alike, reminding us of the importance of disaster preparedness, and the need to prioritize safety in all aspects of our lives.