California earthquake: How big was the earthquake that rocked Los Angeles today?

A massive earthquake struck the US state of California on Thursday. The quake came as the nation celebrate the US Independence Day on July 4. The powerful quake had a depth of 8.7km and struck at 5.33pm UTC.

How big was the earthquake?

The earthquake was magnitude 6.4, having been downgrade from a preliminary measurement of 6.6.

This is the first temblor in five years to be stronger than magnitude 6.

In 1994 a 6.6 earthquake in Northridge, California killed dozens and caused billions of dollars in damage.

READ MORE: California earthquake: Massive quake rocks US on Independence Day

The quake struck 12km southwest of Searles Valley, approximately 169 miles from Los Angeles.

Film director Ava DeVernay said: “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.”

READ MORE: Earthquake today: 6.2 magnitude earthquake rocks Canada 

The epicentre of the tremor was 17km from Ridgecrest in the state of California, a remote area of San Bernardino near Death Valley.

The temblor, which was felt as far as Los Angeles, was quickly followed by several smaller aftershocks in the area.

According to EMSC an estimated 20 million people felt the temblor.

There have been no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

California, is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, and is prone to earthquakes.

Singer Conor Maynard wrote on Twitter: “In LA, just experienced my first ever earthquake.. on the 12th floor of a building that was literally swaying like crazy.

“Mother Nature, that was definitely an experience, but I think I’m good for life now”.

American actress Lucy Hale tweeted: “I know everyone’s tweeting about this LA earthquake but that s*** was super long. I’m shook. Literally.”

source: express.co.uk