A 6.4-magnitude earthquake occurred in southern California, USA, at about 10 a.m. on the 4th. Within more than 3 hours after the major earthquake, more than 90 aftershocks occurred in the adjacent area , with magnitudes ranging from 2.5 to 4.6.
US media reported that this was the strongest earthquake to occur in southern California since 1999. Fortunately, there are no reports of casualties.
html On July 4, in Ridgecrest, California, the police set up a cordon. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Qian Weizhong html The 04th coincided with the Independence Day of the United States. Some cities that suffered earthquakes canceled the fireworks performances and celebrations scheduled to be held that night. Many citizens hope that these activities can be carried out as planned, so that the joyful atmosphere can dilute the tension. 40 kilometers away, "the house shook like an airplane encountering turbulence."
The epicenter was located 12 kilometers southwest of Searles Valley, California, with a focal depth of 10.7 kilometers.
The city of Ridgecrest, nearly 40 kilometers away from Searles Valley, is a densely populated area near the epicenter. After experiencing the earthquake, this small town with a population of more than 30,000 seems to be calm, but many residents still have lingering fears when talking about this major earthquake.
html On July 4, in Ridgecrest, California, the door of a store was closed with items falling inside. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Qian Weizhong After the earthquake, Jenna Frazier’s family, who lives near Searles Valley, immediately drove away and took refuge with relatives in Ridgecrest City.
"I was watching TV at the time, and suddenly the TV screen disappeared, and then there was a violent vibration, which almost knocked me off the sofa." Fraser told reporters that there are no water and power outages near Searles Valley, and leaks in natural gas pipelines are currently being investigated. There are cracks in the road surface, and aftershocks may occur at any time, so I dare not go back for the time being. Pictures and videos posted on the Internet by
showed cracks in roads, burst water pipes and collapsed store shelves in areas closer to the epicenter. In addition, the earthquake also caused several small fires.
html On July 4, in Ridgecrest, California, USA, there were debris from a cracked wall on the ground in front of a store. Xinhua News Agency reporter Qian Weizhong Photo "This is the first time I have experienced such a big earthquake." Ron Richardson, a 44-year-old resident of Ridgecrest City, told reporters, "A low 'rumbling' sound came from deep underground, like the earth's crust being squeezed and torn, and the entire house They were shaking violently, like a plane encountering strong air turbulence. The roar of the earthquake was more terrifying than the earthquake."
He said that some decorations at home fell from the walls, and some tea cups and wine glasses were also broken. Fortunately, his family and friends were not injured.
,270 kilometers away, the earthquake was clearly felt in Los Angeles.
The earthquake was clearly felt in Los Angeles and surrounding cities, about 270 kilometers away from the epicenter. Local people recalled that when the 6.4-magnitude earthquake occurred, their houses shook for about 10 seconds.
html On July 4, in Ridgecrest, California, the exterior wall of a store fell off. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Qian Weizhong The Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles issued an announcement saying that there have been no reports of Chinese citizens seeking help due to the earthquake. The notice reminds Chinese citizens in the consular district to read the "Common Sense on Earthquake Disaster Prevention and Response" previously issued by the consulate, pay attention to official information and media reports, and beware of aftershocks.
The earthquake was not only felt in California, but also in other states in the United States. Reuters reported that the earthquake was felt as far east as Las Vegas, the "casino town" of Nevada. Multiple officials in the northern Mexican state of Baja California said the earthquake was strongly felt in the northern Mexican border cities of Mexicali and Tijuana, and many buildings were evacuated.
On July 4, a fire truck was on standby in Ridgecrest, California, USA. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Qian Weizhong
Earthquake experts from California Institute of Technology said at a press conference held at noon on the 4th that aftershocks of magnitude 5 or above may occur next.
The next few days will be difficult
At the BYD electric vehicle assembly plant about 135 kilometers away from the epicenter, a senior executive told reporters that the earthquake was clearly felt in the factory, but production was not affected. At present, the overall condition of the factory is good, production is still continuing, and engineers are conducting internal inspections.
The Walmart Supermarket in downtown Ridgecrest was severely damaged by the earthquake. When reporters arrived at the scene, the supermarket had been closed for maintenance. Staff member Jeremy Birch said that a large number of supermarket containers collapsed, cracks appeared in the ceiling, and water pipes burst. The repair work may take a while.
html On July 4, a strong earthquake caused a water pipe to burst in California. (Internet picture) Some seismologists warned that Ridgecrest City may still be "uneasy" in the coming hours or days.
Ridgecrest Mayor Peggy Breeden said in an interview with reporters that various departments are ready to deal with possible aftershocks, including preparing camp beds and temporary tents to treat the wounded. The fire and medical departments will also be at full strength.
html On July 4, in Ridgecrest, California, the local government set up temporary tents and deck chairs. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Qian Weizhong Lucy Jones, a seismologist at the California Institute of Technology's Seismology Laboratory, said at a press conference that since the 7.1-magnitude earthquake that occurred in California in 1999, the earthquake on the 4th was the strongest earthquake to hit this West Coast state in the United States.
According to Jones, there will be more aftershocks in the future. The possibility of a magnitude 5 aftershock is "more than 50%", and the possibility of a magnitude greater than the mainshock is about "one twentieth".
"Hopefully everyone is safe," Burch said.
