6.4-magnitude earthquake hits Southern California

A 6.4  magnitude earthquake yesterday hit Southern California, said US Geological Survey. 

The tremor's epicentre was 12 km southwest of Searles Valley, about 240 km northeast of Los Angeles.

People from the Mojave Desert to the Pacific coast are reported to have felt shaking as the US celebrated Independence



Day.

Kern County Fire Department said it was dealing with a number of incidents. It said in a tweet that it was providing medical assistance and dealing with fires in and around the city of Ridgecrest. 

The earthquake was reportedly felt as far as Las Vegas. There have been several smaller aftershocks, but no reports of damage.