3.6-magnitude earthquake strikes near Ridgecrest area
RIDGECREST, Calif. - A preliminary 3.6-magnitude earthquake struck Wednesday in the Ridgecrest area.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) says the quake was reported at 9:40 a.m. about seven miles southwest of Searles Valley. It was recorded at a depth of about four miles.
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There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. While there are many variables involved, geologists say damage does not usually occur until the earthquake magnitude reaches somewhere above 4 or 5.
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Last year, the Ridgecrest area was shaken by a massive 7.1-magnitude quake, which resulted in a series of aftershock quakes. It was the largest earthquake to hit Southern California since 1999.
USGS provides information about earthquakes by state and preparedness information, including helpful information for those in California.
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