Magnitude 7.1 Earthquake in Ridgecrest Area

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RIDGECREST, Calif. – A whole lot of shaking is going on in the City of Ridgecrest, with a 6.6 magnitude earthquake on July 4, 2019, and hundreds of overnight aftershocks and now a large 7.1 earthquake.

Everyone wonders where the “big one” is coming and now the technology is getting closer than ever to predicting earthquakes. At 8:18 p.m. the Ridgecrest area experienced a large and long-lasting earthquake. The earthquake can be felt so strongly because of the extremely shallow quake was only a depth of 17 km (10.5 miles).

The San Bernardino County Fire Department is referring to the most recent shaking as an aftershock. “Significant aftershock felt throughout the region,” SB County Fire Department said on Twitter on Friday. “Station 57 (Trona) advises power out to the entire community of Trona. Damage assessment underway with units patrolling communities.”

The San Bernardino County Fire Department reported that homes have shifted leading to the foundation cracks and retaining walls falling. Only minor injuries have been reported at this time.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has confirmed that the earthquakes were located on two faults, located at the Naval Air Weapons Station in the China Lake area. The Ridgecrest Police Department said that if anyone suspects structural damage to their home or business you may call the city inspectors to evaluate the damage of the structure at 760-499-5083. Small or cosmetic crack in the plaster or drywall is usually not a result of structural damage.

Trona faced serious damage and still could use water donations the Ridgecrest Police Department officials said. They are asking for anyone who can donate water to take a case of water to the Ridgecrest Police Department. “A trailer will be located in the east parking lot and we will bring the water out to the residents of Trona.”

Police are asking everyone to check to make sure that their neighbors are safe. All non-emergency calls should go to 760-499-5100 and 911 should be used for emergencies only. Kerr McGee Center is available for shelter and cooling. Anyone seeking temporary shelter should park on the south side of the building.