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. 



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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.



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. 



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.