Southern California experience their second earth quake in many days and its 11 times stronger than thursday
A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake swayed buildings and cracked streets and foundations in Southern California on Friday night, sending terrified residents into the streets a day after another quake hit.
The latest earthquake Friday struck 11 miles northeast of Ridgecrest, according to the US Geological Survey. It was five times bigger and 11 times stronger than Thursday’s 6.4 -magnitude earthquake, also centered near Ridgecrest, CNN Meteorologist Brandon Miller said.
There’s been an average of one aftershock per minute since Friday’s quake in the southern part of the state, according to the US Geological Survey website.
Gas leaks caused structure fires throughout Ridgecrest, residents reported water main breaks, and power and communications were out in some areas, according to Mark Ghilarducci, director of the Governors’ Office of Emergency Management.
Several injuries were reported, according to Kern County spokeswoman Megan Person, but Kern County Fire Chief David Witt told reporters there were no known fatalities.
Gas leaks caused structure fires throughout Ridgecrest, residents reported water main breaks, and power and communications were out in some areas, according to Mark Ghilarducci, director of the Governors’ Office of Emergency Management.
Several injuries were reported, according to Kern County spokeswoman Megan Person, but Kern County Fire Chief David Witt told reporters there were no known fatalities.
About 130 residents from Bakersfield and Trona were staying in a temporary shelter, Person said.
“On behalf of all Californians, I offer my heartfelt support to those affected by tonight’s earthquake near Ridgecrest,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said Saturday.
The governor declared a state of emergency in Kern County on Thursday after the 6.4 -magnitude earthquake and in San Bernardino late Friday after the 7.1-magnitude earthquake. Newsom also said he requested a presidential emergency declaration for assistance.
No power or water in San Bernardino town
The San Bernardino County Fire Department said it received multiple reports of damage as well from northwest communities.
“Homes shifted, foundation cracks, retaining walls down,” the department said. “One injury (minor) with firefighters treating patient.”
Trona, a town of 2,000 people, does not have power or water, San Bernardino County Fire spokesman Jeremy Kern told CNN. Workers had been restoring power from the initial earthquake when Friday’s disrupted power again.
Both earthquakes disrupted the main water system. Officials are bringing in water to residents and fire teams.
No injuries have been reported in the town.