US: Aftershocks continue to hit southern California state July 5 /update 1

Event

Hundreds of aftershocks ranging in magnitudes of 2.0 to 4.5 have struck southern California state as of Friday morning (local time), July 5, following an initial 6.4-magnitude earthquake on Thursday, July 4. Officials in Ridgecrest report that the earthquake has caused significant property damage across the city and authorities in Kern county have responded to two dozen emergency calls since Thursday morning. Several roads in the immediate area have also been damaged. Shaking was felt as far away as Los Angeles county, San Bernardino county, and Las Vegas (Nevada state); however, there were no reports of damage or transportation disruptions as a result of the initial earthquake and subsequent aftershocks. 

Context

The US Geological Survey (USGS) recorded a 6.4-magnitude earthquake approximately 12 km (7.5 mi) southwest of Searles Valley at a depth of 9 km (6 mi) on July 4. No tsunami warning was issued by the US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC). The July 4 quake is considered the largest to hit southern California since the so-called Hector Mine earthquake in October 1999, which registered a magnitude of 7.1 on the Richter scale.

Advice

Individuals in the affected area are advised to monitor the situation, prepare for aftershocks, and anticipate localized infrastructure damage and transportation disruptions.

In the event of aftershocks, individuals are advised to protect themselves as much as possible from falling debris if indoors (e.g. under a table), move away from windows, and not attempt to leave a building unless there is an immediate danger. If outdoors, move away from tall buildings, utility wires, and streetlights.