Preliminary 7.1-Magnitude Ridgecrest Earthquake – Strong Shaking Felt Across the Valley

Drop, cover, and hold on now. Seek shelter away from windows and tall furniture. The Ridgecrest event delivered intense shaking that reached the valley floor; secure your space and prepare to move only if safe after the tremor stops.

A preliminary 7.1-magnitude rupture focused near Ridgecrest sent strong ground motion across the region. Early reports from field teams indicate significant stress on structures and utility networks.

Check hazards before reentering Inspect for gas odors, water leaks, and energized wiring; if you smell gas or hear hissing air, evacuate and call emergency services. Verify structural safety of your building and avoid elevators during aftershocks.

Expect localized disruptions in power, water, and communication Utilities and services may experience temporary interruptions, and highways or bridges could close for safety checks. Do not rely on unstable bridges or overloaded circuits.

Aftershocks are likely in the hours and days ahead Plan for additional shaking and secure items that could fall. Local agencies will provide updates via official channels; avoid relying on unverified social posts.

Use official briefings and trusted channels for updates Rely on guidance from emergency services for the latest information. Do not spread rumors on unverified posts.

Prepare for aftercare and recovery actions Secure your home, check neighbors, and document damage for insurance and responders. Stay tuned for official timelines on power restoration and highway reopenings.

Ridgecrest Earthquake: Preliminary 7.1 Magnitude – Quick Guide

Drop, cover, and hold on now; if outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings and utilities, then check for injuries and hazards after the shaking stops.

The preliminary 7.1 temblor ruptured a fault near Ridgecrest in Kern County, one of the largest earthquakes in California in decades. The experience was widespread, with strong shaking felt throughout Kern, the valley, and into parts of southern California and Nevada.

Science and monitoring teams, including ShakeAlertLA, showed rapid responses. Data from earths science networks tracked ground motion and aftershock likelihood, while forecasts indicated continued activity in the hours and days ahead. The event demonstrated how monitoring equipment and field crews could support rapid risk assessment and public alerts.

For safety, inspect gas lines, electrical systems, and water pipes for damage. If you smell gas or hear hissing, evacuate and call authorities. Temporary closures may occur as crews assess damage; keep clear of damaged structures and stay away from downed power lines. Some homes could have ruptured lines or weakened supports, so do not re-enter until authorities say it is safe. Have portable lighting, a basic toolkit, and a radio ready; required equipment includes first aid kits and flashlights.

What to expect next: aftershocks will continue with a lower likelihood of strong shaking. Forecasts emphasize continued activity for hours to days, especially near Kern and the surrounding counties. The temblor showed how communities throughout the region can prepare, secure heavy items, and review their earthquake plans. Peggy and Lucy reported on field conditions; Newsom and Donald officials issued guidance for residents and responders.

Where was the strongest shaking felt and which areas experienced the highest intensity

Strongest shaking was felt in Ridgecrest and the immediate eastern Kern County, along a 37-mile rupture that runs from the desert floor into the foothills. The highest intensity occurred in Ridgecrest itself, with nearby Searles Valley, Inyokern, and parts of the Owens Valley experiencing severe shaking. Californian communities in the same region noted cracked homes and doors that jammed, illustrating the direct impact on daily life.

Geographically, the same general distribution emerged in the first maps: near-fault areas took the strongest ground motion, while everything farther from the rupture experienced decreasing shaking. kfsn coverage noted the same trend, and resources from USGS and local geologists confirm it. Before the event many people checked maps for intensity; cookies notices appeared on sites as people visited to get real-time data. In the Searles Valley and western Mojave, observed shaking was strong but less intense than Ridgecrest; the odds of damaging aftershocks remained elevated in the week after, particularly close to the rupture domain.

Why did this happen? Geological conditions, fault geometry, and the 37-mile rupture length concentrated energy along the fault trace. Initial laser and LiDAR surveys of ground deformation corroborate field reports and help engineers plan repairs. This information from geological resources supports public decision-making and recovery planning. For residents who visited maps or listened to press briefings, the general conclusion is that the strongest shaking occurred near the rupture domain, and that the same pattern could repeat if another segment ruptures.

Practical steps for residents: inspect homes for cracks, gas leaks, and damaged foundations; do not re-enter if you smell gas or see structural damage. Keep neighbors informed and check on vulnerable residents. Rely on official declaration and press briefings for safety updates; use public resources from USGS, Cal OES, and local emergency management. If you are in the 37-mile rupture zone or nearby, be prepared for aftershocks and plan with a friend or relative in a safer location, especially during a hot summer. In the days ahead, kfsn and other outlets will continue to provide updates, and you can visit their sites and other visited resources to stay informed. The community remains united and ready to assist.

What does a preliminary M7.1 magnitude mean for energy release and fault depth

Plan for strong shaking and ongoing aftershocks. Secure equipment, check roads for cracking, and stay ahead of aftershock sequences as crews assess the affected area. A preliminary M7.1 releases about 2.8×10^15 joules of energy, roughly 0.7 megatons of TNT, which helps explain the very broad area of ground shaking observed in the southern California region and beyond.

• Energy and scale: E ≈ 2.8×10^15 J, using the standard relation log10(E) ≈ 1.5×M_w + 4.8 for moment magnitude. This translates to about 0.7 Mt of TNT equivalent, helping neighbors gauge potential damage patterns.
• Fault depth: focal depth around 8–12 km indicates a shallow crustal rupture within the plates that make up southern California. Observations by hauksson and lauer support a crustal fault geometry with slip concentrated in the upper crust, which often drives the strongest surface shaking in populated areas.
• Rupture and geometry: the main event involved multiple fault strands in the southern region, with slip distributed across interconnected segments. This explains the broad footprint of shaking and the variety of aftershock locations observed in the weeks that followed.
• Aftershocks and hazards: dozens of aftershocks accompanied the main shock, with some sizable events in the days after. Aftershocks can continue for weeks, keeping odds of additional damage and rockslides elevated in rugged zones near roads and canyons.

Science teams, including observers from California to federal agencies, emphasize that this is a shallow, crustal event tied to plate interactions in the southern California region. News crews and researchers watch daily observations from networks across the state, including sites near Vegas and other southeast communities, to refine depth estimates and rupture progress. This science underpins how authorities issue alerts, inspectors operate equipment, and crews prioritize safety and restoration efforts.

What this means for residents and responders:

• Get prepared for aftershocks: watch for renewed shaking in the coming hours and days, and avoid damaged roads until they are inspected and cleared. If you are on the road, proceed with caution and yield to damaged stretches where cracking or rockslide is evident.
• Infrastructure checks: federal and CALIF agencies, along with local crews, assess bridges, utilities, and pipelines; roads getting back to normal may take time, and some routes will be restored gradually as equipment arrives and damage is verified.
• Public safety and injuries: while most injuries linked to aftershocks have been minor, rockslides and collapsing facades remain possible in steep terrain. Heed official guidance, avoid shaky structures, and report hazards to responders.
• Communication and news: stay with well-sourced news channels and official alerts for updates on the odds of large aftershocks and the next advisory cycles. Nevada watchers and southern neighbors should monitor coast-to-inland updates as the situation evolves.
• Response priorities: crews focus on critical roads, hospitals, and lifelines first, then prioritize restoral work in residential neighborhoods. Observers note that the largest impacts tend to be near the southern fault zones, with a ripple effect on nearby communities.
• Observe local geology: given the tectonic setting of the plates in this region, expect continued shallow activity in the near term and be prepared for ground-related hazards like cracking and minor landslides along exposed slopes or road cuts.

In short, a preliminary M7.1 signifies a major, shallow crustal quake with energy comparable to a significant TNT yield and a rupture that spans multiple fault strands in the southern California plates. This combination drives very strong surface shaking, a high likelihood of aftershocks, and the need for vigilant, ongoing response from federal, state, and local teams, while the science surrounding Hauksson, Lauer, and other researchers continues to refine depth estimates and fault geometry. Roads and infrastructure may require time to recover, but with coordinated crews and clear public guidance, restoration and safety progress can come steadily.

What immediate safety steps should residents and visitors take after the quake

Drop, cover, and hold on immediately to protect yourself during aftershocks.

In a building, move to a sturdy interior room, crouch under a table or desk, and protect your head with your arms. If you are seated, stay seated in place and use seats or other sturdy furniture to shelter yourself; keep away from windows and heavy shelves that could topple.

Once the shaking stops, check yourself and others for injuries, provide first aid if trained, and call for help for life-threatening conditions. Do not move seriously injured people unless they are in immediate danger.

Inspect utilities carefully. If you smell gas, hear a hissing leak, or notice damaged wiring, evacuate to a safe area and dial emergency services. If safe to do so, shut off gas at the main valve and turn off electricity at the main breaker before inspecting further.

Look for evidence of hazards around your home or workplace, such as cracks, gas odors, toppled shelves, or water leaks. Clear paths for responders, avoid re-entering damaged areas, and use a flashlight instead of candles since outages are common and there may be little light. Use the word “using” to remind yourself to avoid risky actions while navigating damaged spaces.

Outdoor safety and fault awareness: If you are outdoors, move away from buildings, streetlights, trees, and power lines. In the vicinity of the 37-mile fault zone that runs north-east from the event, expect pockets of ground shaking and potential aftershocks. Stay in open areas until officials say it is safe to resume normal activities.

For drivers, pull over to a safe area, stay in your seat or belt, and avoid stopping under bridges, overpasses, or power lines. When safe, resume travel only after shakes stop and authorities declare it safe to continue.

Communication: Use text messages or social media to check on loved ones and avoid tying up voice lines. If you are near the dodger area or visiting county shelters, listen for staff instructions and move to designated safe zones. Monitor the latest updates from county emergency operations and state agencies; seismologists may issue new guidance in the hours after the quake. If you visited shelters or public spaces, follow posted directions and move to designated safe zones promptly.

In the weeks after the quake, aftershocks may continue and events unfold with little warning. Learn where to shut off utilities and how to test installed detectors; keep additional supplies and added water and nonperishable foods ready for delays. Stay alert, stay hydrated in summer heat, and plan to extend your safety routines for another round of aftershocks already anticipated by seismologists and local authorities.

How to monitor updates and access the USGS event page for this event

Open the USGS event page now and enable ShakeAlert alerts to receive real-time updates. In the summer beginning of this sequence, check the page for fresh numbers within minutes of the mainshock. Use the USGS search for Ridgecrest 7.1 to reach the dedicated page, which shows magnitude, epicenter, depth, time, and a dynamic map. The page also hosts background notes from ANSS and geological teams and links to video briefings that explain what shook the region.

The page draws data from ANSS and federal partners, with seismologists providing rapid analyses of aftershocks and their likelihood. You’ll see a growing list of events labeled as smaller quakes, including activity near Trona and zones along the Nevada border. The long tail of aftershocks can extend for days, so monitor the updates as new events come in. Brooks and other researchers often contribute quick interpretations in the accompanying notes, helping residents understand what to expect next.

Watch the video explainers and live updates linked on the event page to grasp the regional context and the shaking background. If you’re in the United States, the ShakeAlert feed may appear as an alert option on the page or via partner channels. These resources come from a federal framework and coordinated efforts with state and university partners to keep communities informed.

For practical steps, meet friends and neighbors at home or in safe outdoor areas away from wrecked structures. Review current road conditions and travel advisories shown on the page, and stay prepared for aftershocks that could trigger additional warnings. Weve included a straightforward checklist below on what to do next: stay indoors if tremors aren’t strong, watch for falling debris, and keep a little emergency kit ready. The goal is to stay green and informed as the situation evolves together with the broader community, across roads and boundaries in nearby Nevada and California.

What to expect from aftershocks and how to stay prepared

Drop, cover, and hold on during aftershocks, and check your surroundings before moving. ShakeAlertLA will often trigger alerts within seconds for strong aftershocks; the network and county updates include maps where dots mark epicenters across the valley. Keep a flashlight, sturdy shoes, and a small emergency kit within easy reach to reduce confusion when tremors resume.

After the main quake, expect a sequence of aftershocks. In the first 24 hours the number of aftershocks showed dozens, with some reaching significant magnitudes. However, most aftershocks are smaller than the main event; only a few reach magnitudes in the M4–M5 range and are centered near the fault. Stay alert for another shake again within the first week.

Outages and hazards demand readiness at home. Having a plan helps. Inspect gas and water lines after each strong quake, and shut off gas if you smell leaks or suspect damage. Turn off nonessential power to prevent electrical fires, use a battery-powered radio to hear official guidance, and keep a fully charged phone for alerts. Weve seen outages disrupt communication, so coordinate with neighbors and check in on those who may need help.

Stay informed through shakealertla, anss, and local outlets such as kfsn. These sources provide time-stamped alerts and background context about where aftershocks are centered and how they move across the county. For up-to-date data, visit https://earthquake.usgs.gov and https://www.shakealert.org.

Prepare now by anchoring tall furniture and securing shelving to walls. Store at least a three-day supply of water per person, keep medications and essential documents safe, and rehearse the drop, cover, and hold on routine with family. Map-based alerts show epicenters as dots and motion across the area, helping you decide how to move during a tremor and where the safest exits are across your home and neighborhood.