A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck southern California on Friday at 8.20pm local time (10.20am Saturday Thailand time) merely a day after another temblor had rocked the same area.
The quake was centred near Thursday’s magnitude-6.4 earthquake near Ridgecrest, California, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The USGS has issued a red alert for economic losses meaning that extensive damage is probable, and the disaster is likely widespread. Damage is estimated at at least US$1 billion (Bt32 billion). Past events with this alert level have required a national or international level response.
Shaking from the earthquake was felt by millions of people across the region, including the greater Los Angeles and Las Vegas areas. Hundreds of terrified people in the affected areas slept outside their homes.
