A powerful 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck Southern California causing widespread devastation

The aftermath of the earthquake was still felt the following day as emergency services scrambled to assist the injured and combat fires that erupted in its wake.

This earthquake marked the most severe seismic activity the state has faced in 20 years. The epicenter of the quake was near Ridgecrest, a small town located 150 miles north of Los Angeles. The tremors reverberated as far as Las Vegas and across most parts of California. The initial quake struck at 10:33 AM local time on the Fourth of July, with subsequent 5.4 magnitude aftershocks occurring at 4:15 AM the following day.

Ridgecrest, situated close to the epicenter, bore the brunt of the destruction. Power lines were toppled, roads fractured, and debris from shattered buildings littered the ground. Some homes succumbed to the force of the quake, leading to collapsed walls. Thankfully, major urban areas were spared from direct impact. The Ridgecrest Regional Hospital had to be evacuated, and the Kern County Fire Department responded to nearly two dozen incidents, including minor medical emergencies like burns. The US Navy’s China Lake facilities also suffered significant damage, with reports of water leaks, fires, and hazardous material spills by AFP news.

California Governor Gavin Newsom swiftly declared a state of emergency in the affected areas, as concerns regarding additional aftershocks lingered throughout the early hours of the following day. Newsom advised residents in various interviews to stay vigilant and prepared for potential future seismic activity.