A major 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck the Mojave Desert near the town of Ridgecrest on Thursday, causing damage and shaking much of Southern California.
It was felt by some in San Diego County, according to social media posts, with one Facebook video showing swaying ceiling lamps.
It was the strongest quake to hit the region since Oct. 16, 1999, when a 7.1-magnitude quake struck near the Twentynine Palms Marine Corps base.
No injuries were initially reported from Thursday’s quake, which struck just before 10:34 a.m. about 10 miles northeast of Ridgecrest. The epicenter was in San Bernardino County near the Kern County line. The China Lake Naval Weapons Station is located nearby.
About an hour after the quake hit, local authorities were surveying damage and moving rescue crews and equipment into the area.
#EarthquakeResponse @kerncountyfire resources working nearly 2 dozens incidents ranging from medical assistance to structure fires in and around the city of Ridgecrest, CA. @kerncountyfire Urban Search and Rescue teams en route. #kerncountyfirefighters
— Kern County Fire (@kerncountyfire) July 4, 2019
#Earthquake (Update): #SBCoFD cont rapid survey of the NW communities of our county. Mult buildings with minor cracks; broken water mains; power lines down; rock slides on certain roads. No injuries/fires. Addl engine companies and #USAR HeavyRescue 305 moving to the area. ^eas
— SB County Fire (@SBCOUNTYFIRE) July 4, 2019
The quake was widely felt in the City of Los Angeles, and authorities urged residents not to call 9-1-1 unless there were injuries or damage.
#earthquake We are aware of the significant earthquake that just occurred in SoCal PLEASE do NOT call 9-1-1 unless there are injuries or other dangerous questions Please do not call for questions
— LAFD (@LAFD) July 4, 2019
Shaking was was experienced throughout Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside Counties, and as far south as National City and Imperial Beach in San Diego County, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
“At work in downtown San Diego on the fourth floor the whole building shook,” one user wrote on Facebook.
“Swaying on the 26th floor downtown was not fun. Definitely felt it,” reported another.
“Rockin’ and rollin’ here in Oceanside,” chimed in a third.
More than two dozen aftershocks were felt, continuing for several hours, the USGS reported.
According to our forecast, over the next 1 Week there is a 9 % chance of one or more aftershocks that are larger than magnitude 6.4. It is likely that there will be smaller earthquakes over the next 1 Week, with 50 to 700 magnitude 3 or higher aftershocks…
— USGS (@USGS) July 4, 2019
Hours before addressing National Mall crowds from the Lincoln Memorial, President Trump noted the quake, saying he’d been briefed and “All seems to be very much under control!”
Been fully briefed on earthquake in Southern California. All seems to be very much under control!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 4, 2019
Damage to state Route 78 was shared via Twitter.
Caltrans District 9 Maintenance crews make repairs to cracks along SR 178 near Trona within an hour after 6.4 quake in Ridgecrest #Caltrans8 @Caltrans9 @CA_Trans_Agency @CaltransHQ pic.twitter.com/FpryJoWVos
— Caltrans District 8 (@Caltrans8) July 4, 2019
Caltrans District 9 Maintenance crews make repairs to cracks along SR 178 near Trona within an hour after 6.4 quake in Ridgecrest #Caltrans8 @Caltrans9 @CA_Trans_Agency @CaltransHQ pic.twitter.com/FpryJoWVos
— Caltrans District 8 (@Caltrans8) July 4, 2019
Today’s earthquake in San Bernardino County is a reminder to know what to do in a quake https://t.co/kVTgGTyZ4N and to make sure you’re ready for any disaster https://t.co/0cDrXXDSFW
— SanDiegoCounty (@SanDiegoCounty) July 4, 2019
Updated at 4:37 p.m. July 4, 2019
— From Staff and Wire Reports
