MotherNature CSI – preview & Earthquake Update

Hear what’s coming up on MotherNature CSI in this podcast preview.

Then, read the latest on a 7.1 earthquake that’s shaken nerves across Southern California.

The 7.1 earthquake in Ridgecrest was felt over a large area, including Los Angeles and San Diego. It was the strongest quake in California in two decades.

The epicenter, near the small town of Ridgecrest, is roughly 125 miles northeast of Los Angeles.  Residents from Los Angeles, to Palm Springs and Bakersfield to San Diego reported feeling the 7.1 quake. California’s governor has requested federal assistance after declaring a state of emergency for San Bernardino County.

Scientists say after the 7.1 earthquake – the region has an 11% chance of experiencing a larger quake within the next week. While this estimate is low residents across California are encouraged to have an emergency plan in place, store three days’ worth of food for your family and pets and have important documents available onto a USB drive.

Recorded earthquakes near Ridgecrest, CA, July 6, 2019. (USGS)

USGS officials say the location of Friday night’s 7.1 earthquake and earlier 6.4 quake on the 4th of July, indicate the fault is growing and estimate it to be about 25 miles long.

  • Ridgecrest is a town of around 29,000 in Kern County, along Route 395.
  • California’s governor has declared a state of emergency for San Bernardino County requesting a presidential emergency declaration.
  • Friday night’s 7.1 quake was 10 times more powerful than the 4th of July temblor, according to scientists at Caltech in Pasadena.
  • Dozens of aftershocks continue, one aftershock every minute.
  • Damage in and around Ridgecrest being evaluated, some minor gas leaks and power outages reported. Buildings being inspected
  • Los Angeles officials are assessing damage to buildings from Friday night’s 7.1 quake.
  • Scientists say the large earthquakes indicate the fault line is growing and may be around 25 miles long at this time.
  • Emergency management officials urge residents to prepare for an earthquake as you would any emergency. Make a plan and have an emergency kit with three days’ worth of food on standby. More information can be found on your local emergency management page or at Ready.gov.

Author: Patty Lane