SEARLES, Calif. – Governor Gavin Newsom approved an emergency proclamation for the 6.4 magnitude earthquake that hit the Searles Valley area Thursday morning which was felt across Southern California.

The earthquake hit around 10:30 a.m. with an 8.7 kilometer depth, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Originally the USGS reported the earthquake magnitude at 6.6, but updated the numbers to a 6.4 magnitude. 

The proclamation frees up state resources to assist areas affected by the earthquake and aftershocks.

  • Up to 40 aftershocks felt across Southern Californian
  • 106 LAFD stations in earthquake mode assessing damage
  • Minor damage reported to some buildings and roads

Many residents across California reported feeling the effects of the earthquake.

The earthquake was immediately followed by three aftershocks with a 4.7 magnitude and 3.5 in the Ridgecrest-area, as well as a 4.2 magnitude in Searles Valley at 11:30 a.m. A total of 40 aftershocks were counted by USGS as of 12 p.m. 

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A 6.4 magnitude earthquake can lead to damage in populated areas. According to the San Bernardino County Fire District, minor damage has been reported to buildings with small cracks, broken water mains, power lines down, and some rock slides. Highway 178 sustained a 12-inch crack west of Trona Road. 

The Los Angeles Fire Department tweeted that officials are aware of the earthquake and that people should not call 911 unless someone is injured. LAFD said all 106 fire stations are in earthquake mode and will be out conducting strategic surveys of the districts to assess for damage. 

The Kern County Fire Department said crews are working on two dozen incidents of fires around Ridgecrest and medical assistance calls.

Searles Valley is 169 miles away from Los Angeles.