Earthquakes Rattle Southern California
Friday's 7.1-Magnitude Event Cracks Foundations, Rocks Buildings
A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake rocked buildings and cracked foundations in Southern California on Friday night, the latest in a series of recent earthquakes that have rattled the region. The quake was centered near Ridgecrest, about 120 miles northeast of Los Angeles, and was felt as far away as Phoenix, Arizona.
The earthquake caused widespread damage to homes and businesses in Ridgecrest and surrounding areas. Several buildings were damaged beyond repair, and at least one home was completely destroyed. The quake also caused power outages and water main breaks, leaving many residents without essential services.
The earthquake is the largest to hit Southern California in nearly 20 years. It comes just two weeks after a 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck near Searles Valley, about 40 miles east of Ridgecrest. That quake caused widespread damage to roads and buildings, and also triggered a series of fires.
The recent earthquakes have raised concerns about the safety of Southern California's aging infrastructure. Many buildings in the region were not built to withstand strong earthquakes, and experts say that a major earthquake could cause widespread damage and loss of life.
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