California Earthquakes Spike

23 temblors of magnitude 5 or greater in the last day

132 quakes in the last week

California has been hit by a swarm of earthquakes in the past 24 hours, with 23 temblors of magnitude 5 or greater recorded. This is according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). In the past week, there have been 132 earthquakes in the state.

The largest earthquake in the past 24 hours was a magnitude 5.1 temblor that struck near Ridgecrest in Kern County at 10:33 p.m. PT on Thursday. The quake was felt throughout Southern California and caused some minor damage to buildings. No injuries were reported.

The USGS says that the recent swarm of earthquakes is likely due to the movement of tectonic plates in the Earth's crust. The plates are slowly moving past each other, and the resulting friction is causing stress to build up in the rock. When the stress becomes too great, it can trigger an earthquake.

The USGS says that the swarm of earthquakes is not expected to cause any major damage, but it is a reminder that California is earthquake country. Residents should be prepared for the possibility of a large earthquake and know what to do if one occurs.

The USGS recommends that people in earthquake-prone areas take the following steps to prepare for a quake:

• Secure heavy objects in your home, such as bookcases and appliances.
• Stock up on food, water, and other emergency supplies.
• Learn how to turn off your gas and electricity.
• Make an evacuation plan and practice it with your family.

If an earthquake occurs, the USGS recommends that people:

• Drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on until the shaking stops.
• Stay away from windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
• If you are in a car, pull over to the side of the road and stop. Stay in the car and wait for the shaking to stop.
• If you are outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, and power lines.

For more information on earthquake preparedness, visit the USGS website at https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards/earthquake-hazards/earthquake-preparedness.