6.4 Earthquake hits remote area in Southern California (Updated)

A 6.4-magnitude earthquake hit a remote area of Southern California on Thursday, the most powerful tremor to shake that region in 20 years, according to media reports and the United States Geological Survey.

There were no reports of injures in the quake which caused damage and fires.

The epicenter of the tremor, which had a 6.4 magnitude, was near the city of Ridgecrest, about 240 km northeast of Los Angeles.

Firefighters said they were providing medical assistance and dealing with fires in and around the city.

People from the Mojave Desert to the Pacific coast reported feeling the quake, which hit on Independence Day.

Brad Alexander, a spokesman for California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, said “this may not be over. There could be more earthquakes happening in the area and anyone listening that’s in that region should be prepared to drop cover and hold on,” he warned.

The city’s mayor, Peggy Breeden, told CNN that a state of emergency has also been declared in the city.

Via New York Times /CNN/ Los Angeles Times