SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — A preliminary 6.6-magnitude earthquake that hit near Ridgecrest was felt throughout Southern California on Independence Day.
The earthquake was recorded at about 10:30 a.m. Thursday between Ridgecrest and Searles Valley, in San Bernardino County, according to the United State Geologic Survey (USGS). The quake had a depth of about 5.4 miles.
USGS later lowered the preliminary shake-up to 6.4.
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Ridgecrest city officials say 87 aftershocks have been recorded following the quake. Several more aftershocks are expected in the next couple of days, according to USGS seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones.
Before the earthquake, USGS also recorded two earthquakes measuring 4.0 and 2.2 in San Bernardino County.
Here in San Diego, numerous locals, from downtown San Diego up to Oceanside, reported to 10News that they felt the quake. The San Diego County Fair halted rides Thursday for safety inspections after the earthquake, before reopening.
USGS "Did you feel it" responses were reported throughout the Southern California area as well.
Ridgecrest press conference:
Kern County Fire Department reported nearly two dozen incidents ranging from medical assistance to structure fires around Ridgecrest. Crews were also surveying highway passes throughout the city for safety.
Ridgecrest Regional Hospital has been evacuated and there was some structural damage, according to Ridgecrest officials. The city has declared a State of Emergency, the city's mayor, Peggy Breeden, told CNN.
#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
Kern County's Supervisor Michael Gleason told CNN there was a "sizable amount of damage." He added at least one hotel had major damage, but Lake Isasbella's dam and reservoir and the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake were not damaged.
Multiple minor injuries, many the result of broken glass or falling shelves, have been reported, Kern County Fire Chief David Witt said.
San Bernardino County Fire reported minor cracks in multiple buildings, broken water mains, power lines down, and rock slides in certain areas. Roads had also been damaged in some parts of the county.
#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
Los Angeles Fire Department reported the quake may have caused a damaged water main and three limited power outages. Disneyland was also reportedly shut down to perform safety inspections on rides.
No injuries have been reported. There was no tsunami threat from the quake, according to the National Weather Service.
Thursday's earthquake is the largest earthquake to hit Southern California since the 1999 7.1-magnitude earthquake near Ludlow, Calif.
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The July 4th quake comes a week after San Diegans received their first "ShakeAlert" text message to test an earthquake warning system. While Los Angeles County residents already receive a similar alert, USGS hopes to expand the "ShakeAlert" system across the country eventually.
Los Angeles city officials say their alert didn't go off though because the earthquake wasn't recorded above a 5.0-magnitude shake in Los Angeles County. Shaking in LA County was recorded below 4.5-magnitude. Officials say they plan to lower the threshold following local feedback.
