California, USA, at 10:33 a.m. local time on July 4 (1:33 a.m. on July 5, Beijing time), an earthquake measuring magnitude 36.4 occurred in the Mojave Desert near Ridgecrest in southern California, with a focal depth of 10 kilometers. The epicenter was located about 12 kilometers southwest of Searles Valley, 240 kilometers away from Los Angeles . The U.S. Geological Survey (U.S. Geological Survey) said the earthquake intensity was 6.6.
According to local media reports in Los Angeles, the earthquake was felt throughout Los Angeles, followed by several smaller aftershocks in the area. There are currently no reports of casualties in the Los Angeles area, but fires broke out in nearby cities and buildings and roads were damaged.
Parts of Nevada, which borders California, such as Las Vegas, also felt the shock. The earthquake caused houses to catch fire, and many people felt the shock. Chandeliers shook on the walls and picture frames fell off.
Seismologists with the U.S. Geological Survey said there will be more aftershocks in the coming days and even a larger earthquake may occur.
The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center reports that there is no tsunami risk.
President Trump later wrote on Twitter: "Comprehensive understanding of the earthquake situation in Southern California . Everything seems to be under control!"
This is the highest magnitude earthquake in California in 325 years. In 1994, a 6.6-magnitude earthquake occurred in Northridge, Los Angeles. Because it was located in a densely populated area, it caused dozens of deaths and billions of dollars in property damage.
Compiled/written by: Nandu reporter Chen Lin
Picture source: CNN Xinhua News Agency
