A magnitude 7.1 earthquake has hit Southern California, a day after the region has been rocked by its strongest tremor in 20 years. This earthquake has caused fires, power shortages, and damaged roads:
"The quake did last for some time," said Mark Ghilarducci, director of the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services, about Friday's tremor. "It was felt widely throughout most of Southern California and even as far north here as Sacramento. The shaking intensity was very significant."
In light of the events, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared states of emergency for both Kern and
San Bernardino counties as the quakes damaged homes and infrastructure. The governor also made a formal request for federal assistance.
Ghilarducci said Ridgecrest and the town of Trona both reported fires from gas leaks, damaged roads, and thousands without power.
WATCH: @CBSLA anchors seek shelter under desk during live broadcast when 6.9 magnitude Southern California earthquake strikes pic.twitter.com/hB7wyWulQD
— Evan Rosenfeld (@Evan_Rosenfeld) July 6, 2019
The earthquake also tested news anchors’ stop, drop, and hold as they were broadcasting :
In Los Angeles, news anchors Juan Fernandez and Sara Donchey at the local CBS station were broadcasting live as Friday's quake hit.
“We’re experiencing very strong shaking," a visibly concerned Donchey told viewers as she and her colleague looked up at the rattling studio lights.
"I think we need to get under the desk.”
image credit: screenshot of the Interactive Map from US Geological Survey