Express, by Charlotte Davis: California was hit by a 5.4 magnitude earthquake today [July 5, 2019], just a day after a 6.4 quake struck in the city of Ridgecrest. The second tremor comes after more than 150 aftershocks have struck southern California since yesterday’s quake, which took place at 6.30pm BST on Thursday.
Renowned seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones warned the powerful earthquake registering at 6.4 on the Richter scale does not make “the big one” any less likely.
Addressing reporters at a news conference directly after the first earthquake, Dr Jones said: “One should always be preparing for a big one. This does not make it less likely.
“There is about a one in 20 chance that this location will be having an even bigger earthquake within the next few days that we have not yet seen the biggest earthquake of the sequence.
“It is certain that this area is going to be shaken a lot today and some of those aftershocks will probably exceed magnitude five.”
Dr. Jones confirmed at 6.4 magnitude it is the largest earthquake in southern California since 1999.
Due to the large scale of the first quake, the tremor lasted for around ten seconds in some areas.
Dr. Jones explained why the tremor lasted so long and said: “The duration of the earthquake is a function of magnitude. How strong the feeling is depends on how far away you are.
“The duration is how long the earth is producing energy. Earthquakes begin at an epicentre but they happen along a fault.
“And they start at an epicentre and they rupture down the fault. That rupture speed is two miles per second.
“If the fault is 10 miles, the earthquake is producing energy for five seconds.”
No tsunami is expected, according to the US Government.
The US Government’s automated tsunami detection centre said: “An earthquake has occurred; a tsunami is not expected.”
Following the first quake, the Kern County Fire Department said it was dealing with “multiple injuries” that it described as minor, two house fires, small brush fires and gas leaks.
California Governor Gavin Newsom approved an emergency proclamation, and Ridgecrest Mayor Peggy Breeden said she had declared a state of emergency, a step that enables the town to receive help from outside agencies.
Ridgecrest Regional Hospital was evacuated and patients were being moved to other locations for fear of a powerful aftershock, she said.
About 15 patients were moved, local media said, citing fire officials.
Prophetic Link:
“And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.” Luke 21:11