Breaking News: Major Earthquake Strikes Central California
Magnitude 7.2 Tremor Causes Widespread Damage
Epicenter Located Near Ridgecrest, Aftermath Being Assessed
Ridgecrest, CA – A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 struck central California on Friday morning, causing widespread damage and leaving residents shaken.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the epicenter of the earthquake was located about 12 miles northeast of Ridgecrest, a small city in Kern County. The temblor occurred at 10:33 a.m. PST and was felt as far away as Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and San Francisco.
The earthquake caused significant damage in Ridgecrest and surrounding areas. Buildings have collapsed, roads have been buckled, and power lines have been downed. There have been reports of injuries, but the full extent of the damage and casualties is still being assessed.
Local authorities are responding to the situation and have activated emergency plans. Residents are being urged to stay indoors and check for damage. The USGS is warning of aftershocks, which could continue for days or even weeks following the main event.
The earthquake is the latest in a series of seismic events that have rattled California in recent weeks. A 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck near Ridgecrest on Thursday, July 4th, and a series of smaller aftershocks have occurred since then.
Geologists are still studying the cause of the earthquake activity, but they believe it is related to the San Andreas Fault, a major fault line that runs through California. The fault has been building up stress over time, and the recent earthquakes may be a sign that it is close to releasing that energy.
Residents of California are advised to be prepared for earthquakes and to know what to do if one strikes. The California Earthquake Clearinghouse provides resources and information on earthquake preparedness at www.earthquake.ca.gov.
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