An earthquake with an estimated 6.4 magnitude has been recorded in southern California, with significant shaking felt in Los Angeles.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) reports that it happened at around 10:33am local time, at a depth of 8.7 km.
The epicentre was around 12 kilometres south-west of Searless Valley in the Mojave Desert.
It was initially recorded as a 6.6 magnitude quake, before being reduced to 6.4.
Prelim M6.6 Earthquake Southern California Jul-04 17:33 UTC, updates https://t.co/U0QmdQsbaW
— USGS Earthquakes (@USGS_Quakes) July 4, 2019
According to the Los Angeles Times, the quake was felt over a 'wide area' and is the most powerful quake in the area since 1999.
Officials in San Bernardino County said there were reports of damaged roads and buildings.
However, there were no immediate reports of injuries, with the epicentre far from heavily populated urban centres.
TRONA: #SBCoFD conducting assessment of region after #EARTHQUAKE. No injuries reported, however buildings and roads have sustained varying degrees of damage. ^eas
— San Bernardino County Fire (@SBCOUNTYFIRE) July 4, 2019
Authorities in LA said the quake was felt across "portions of Los Angeles County", with crews now following earthquake procedures.
They advised the public that there may be additional shaking after any significant earthquake.
Additional shaking may be felt after any significant quake. Reminder on what to do DURING an earthquake/aftershock. https://t.co/mUdbjKLPic pic.twitter.com/TV0BZGc9ib
— LACoFireAirOps (@LACoFireAirOps) July 4, 2019
The fire department urged members of the public to only call their emergency number if they had "injuries or dangerous conditions to report".
Authorities also said the quake was 'felt lightly' in the Las Vegas area.
Los Angeles based filmmaker Ava DuVernay described it as the longest earthquake she's ever experienced:
Been living in Los Angeles all my life. That was the longest earthquake I’ve ever experienced. Not jerky. Smooth and rolling. But it was loooong. It was so long I thought for the first time ever “Is this the big one?” Damn. Respect Mother Nature. She’s the boss.
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) July 4, 2019
California sits on the San Andreas Fault, a major boundary between two tectonic plates.
There are thousands of quakes in the state every year, although most of them are small and not felt by members of the public.
