Oh snap! You're watching Rich TVX News Network! The source of raw, breaking news.

7.1-magnitude #earthquake strikes Ridgecrest, shakes San Diego

7.1-magnitude earthquake strikes Ridgecrest, shakes San Diego

There is a “high probability” of a magnitude 5 or greater aftershock to tonight’s 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Ridgecrest in the next week, according to seismologist Lucy Jones. There is a 50% chance of a magnitude 6 or greater quake and about a 10% chance of a magnitude 7 or greater temblor in the next week, said USGS seismologist Lucy Jones.

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – A strong 7.1 magnitude earthquake shook Ridgecrest Friday night, a day after a 6.4 quake rattled the same area of Southern California.

Friday’s tremor happened at 8:19 p.m. and was centered 11 miles outside the high desert town. It was felt throughout southern California and as far east as Las Vegas. The quake was described as a rolling motion that seemed to last at least a half-minute.

No deaths are reported as a result of the violent earthquake, according to Kern County Fire Department Chief David Witt. A total of 1,800 Pacific Gas and Electric customers are without power in Kern County, but no gas leaks are reported, Witt said.

“Intel is still being gathered. Responding to calls for service and ordering additional resources. Kern County is activating the Emergency Operations Center. Please stay safe and call 911 in case of emergency. Please leave phone lines open whenever possible,” the Kern County Fire Department tweeted.

According to ABC 7 News in Los Angeles, fire officials in Kern County initially reported “multiple injuries and multiple fires” without providing details.” Also, San Bernardino County firefighters reported cracked buildings and a minor injury, ABC 7 News said.

The earthquake was immediately followed by multiple aftershocks, the largest of which measured a 4.7-magnitude.

“The M6.4 was a foreshock,” USGS seismologist Lucy Jones tweeted, referring to Thursday’s jolt. “This was a M7.1 on the same fault as has been producing the Searles Valley sequence. This is part of the same sequence.”

There is a 1 in 20 chance of Friday’s magnitude 7.1 earthquake “being followed by something even bigger,” Jones said.

The Los Angeles Fire Department sent vehicles and helicopters around Los Angeles to identify any damages or emergency needs following the magnitude-7.1 earthquake, according to Brian Humphrey of the Los Angeles Fire Department.

“No reports of serious damage in @LACity related to the earthquake tonight,” Mayor Eric Garcetti tweeted. An Urban Search and Rescue Task Force team is being sent to Kern County to help with the damage closer to the epicenter, Garcetti says.

About 1,000 customers are without power due to a possible earthquake-related outage in the Encino/Valley Glen area, according to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.

Power outages have been reported in Kern, Inyo and San Bernardino counties, according to Southern California Edison.

California Governor Gavin Newsom tweeted he has activated the Office of Emergency Services to its highest level in response to the powerful quake.

“In response to another large earthquake in Southern California tonight, I have activated the @Cal_OES state operation center to its highest level. The state is coordinating mutual aid to local first responders,” Newsom tweeted.

EXPECT ANOTHER STRONG ONE VERY SOON

There is a “high probability” of a magnitude 5 or greater aftershock to Friday’s 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Ridgecrest in the next week, according to USGS seismologist Lucy Jones. There is a 50% chance of a magnitude 6 or greater quake and about a 10% chance of a magnitude 7 or greater temblor in the next week, said Jones.

Jones noted that Ridgecrest quakes were far from the San Andreas Fault.

Stay with 10News for updates on this developing news story.

RELATED COVERAGE:
After the Ridgecrest EQ: Taking a closer look at San Diego’s fault lines
6.4-magnitude earthquake rattles July 4th for Southern California, San Diegans
San Diegan near epicenter during quake
Why didn’t San Diego get an alert after July 4’s earthquake? It isn’t ready
Your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance won’t help much after an earthquake. Here’s why