Second earthquake rattles California in as many days

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake rocked Southern California on Friday evening around 8:20 p.m., just one day after a 6.4-magnitude temblor struck the same area. The seismic activity is related, Lucy Jones, a seismologist at the California Institute of Technology, said.

Friday's quake was reportedly felt as far north as Sacramento, as far east as Las Vegas, and as far south as Mexico. There are reports of damaged buildings and roads, fires, power outages, and several injuries throughout the region.

The quake was the largest in Southern California in at least 20 years and was followed by multiple aftershocks, some of which surpassed magnitude 5.0. More aftershocks are expected and could reportedly occur for years. There is also a 1-in-10 chance that another 7.0-magnitude quake could hit within the next week, while a 5.0-magntitude tremor is "approaching certainty," Jones said. The fault causing the quakes appears to be growing, scientists said.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Sign up

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) issued a statement early on Saturday declaring a state of emergency for San Bernardino County. He said on Friday he had requested an emergency declaration from the White House.