7.1-magnitude earthquake rocks California, day after strongest quake in region in 25 years

Strong aftershocks have jolted the desert region since a 6.4 quake on Thursday.

Fissures that opened up under a highway during a powerful earthquake that struck Southern California are seen near the city of Ridgecrest, CA. (Reuters Photo)

California, US: A major earthquake with 7.1-magnitude on the Richter scale, struck Southern California, the US Geological Survey (USGC) said Saturday. Several aftershocks were felt throughout the region following the quake. 

Prelim M7.1 Earthquake 35.767, -117.605 Jul-06 03:19 UTC, updates https://t.co/uVJBfBodUN

— USGS Big Quakes (@USGSBigQuakes) July 6, 2019

This comes a day after the strongest quake in the region in 25 years on Thursday. 

There were no immediate reports of damage. The quake hit in  Ridgecrest, California, nearly 200 km (125 miles) north of Los Angeles, at 8.19 pm. "Significant aftershock felt throughout region. Station 57 (Trona) advises power out to entire community of Trona. Damage assessment underway with units patrolling communities," said San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

#Earthquake(Update): 911 calls coming in from NW communities of #SBCounty. Homes shifted, foundation cracks, retaining walls down. One injury (minor) with firefighters treating patient. No unmet needs currently. ^eas

— SB County Fire (@SBCOUNTYFIRE) July 6, 2019

USGS later revised the quake down to a magnitude of 6.9. According to local media house KTLA, "The preliminary magnitude of tonight's earthquake near the Searles Valley is now listed by the USGS as 6.9.  The quake was far shallower than the previous 6.4-magnitude and 5.4-magnitude foreshocks in the same area."

Many residents took to Twitter to share the images and video snippets of the quake. 

The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre claimed that the quake was felt by nearly 20 million inhabitants in the area. 

Map of felt reports received so far following the #earthquake M5.4 in Central California 42 min ago pic.twitter.com/1Awn1E2Lwl — EMSC (@LastQuake) July 6, 2019

Several 911 calls were received in the region following the quake, said  San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. "Homes shifted, foundation cracks, retaining walls down. One injury (minor) with firefighters treating patient. No unmet needs currently," it added.