The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said a 7.1 magnitude quake hit at 4.19am BST (8.19pm local time Friday) and was centred about 11 miles from Ridgecrest. The quake struck at a depth of about 10.5 miles and was felt as far away as Las Vegas in neighbouring state Nevada. Frightened parents fled their homes in tears with their children in their arms over fears of buildings collapse.
California sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and has a long history of epic earthquakes.
The region is long overdue for the “big one”.
Where is Ridgecrest CA? Are there any casualties?
Ridgecrest, the nearest populated area to the quake, is a town in Kern County home to about 29,000 people.
It sits about 125 miles north of Los Angeles.
Ridgecrest Police Chief Jed McLaughlin said at a news conference there were no initial reports of serious injuries.
Earlier, Kern County Fire Chief David Witt said there had been no reports of building collapses or deaths, but a number of people were injured.
Firefighters reported multiple fires and damage to buildings and roads in Ridgecrest.
The town had borne the brunt of Thursday’s earthquake.
Ridgecrest Mayor Peggy Breeden said by telephone: “We’ve got fires, we’ve got gas leaks, we’ve got injuries, we’ve got people without power, We’re dealing with it as best we can.”
USGS seismologist Dr Lucy Jones tweeted there is “about a 1 in 10 chance that Searles Valley will see another M7”.
Earlier she had stated there is a one in 20 chance of a bigger earthquake striking the region within the next week.
Residents have been urged to check on vulnerable neighbours including the elderly.
Thursday’s quake was also felt by people in Los Angeles 121 miles away and also in parts of neighbouring state Nevada, including Las Vegas.
Film director Ava DuVernay wrote on Twitter: “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.”