Earthquake Rocks California's Mojave Desert
Magnitude 4.9 Quake Felt in Los Angeles
A magnitude 4.9 earthquake struck California's Mojave Desert on Monday, sending shaking that was felt as far away as Los Angeles. The quake struck at 4:51 p.m. Pacific Time, with its epicenter located about 12 miles northeast of Ridgecrest, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries, but the quake was felt strongly in the Ridgecrest area, as well as in nearby towns such as Trona, Inyokern, and Pahrump, Nevada.
The quake was the latest in a series of recent earthquakes in California and Nevada. On July 4, a 7.1 earthquake struck Southern California, causing widespread damage and injuries. That quake was followed by a series of smaller quakes, including a magnitude 5.4 earthquake on July 6 and a magnitude 4.7 earthquake on July 10.
The USGS is still investigating the cause of the recent earthquake activity. However, scientists say that the quakes are likely related to the San Andreas Fault, which runs through California and is one of the most active seismic faults in the world.
The USGS has issued a warning that there is a chance of additional earthquakes in the area in the coming days and weeks. Residents are advised to be prepared for aftershocks and to take steps to protect themselves from earthquake damage, such as securing heavy objects and having an emergency plan in place.
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