7.1 magnitude earthquake rocked southern California

California crews yesterday badessed damage to buildings, roads, gas and water pipelines, and other infrastructure after the magnitude 7.1 earthquake rocked the Sacramento region of Mexico.

The earthquake, the most powerful in the region in the last 20 years, has not killed or injured anyone. Authorities said the damage appeared to be less than expected and that fewer than 200 people were housed in shelters.

But the forecast of temperatures of about 38 degrees Celsius and warnings from seismologists that strong aftershocks could occur in the next few days, or even weeks, have prompted more caution.

The California National Guard will send a contingent of 200 soldiers, logistical support and planes, Major-General David Baldwin said.

Mojave

The earthquake was recorded at 8:19 pm with an epicenter located 18 km from Ridgecrest, the same area of ​​the Mojave Desert where another magnitude 6.4 earthquake once occurred.

April Hamlin, a native of Ridgecrest, said she was "already in abeyance" when the second earthquake struck. She and her three children thought that it was another aftershock

"But it has continued to intensify," he said. "The television fell off and was hanging on the cable, we heard how it broke, we heard the glbad break in the other rooms, but the only thing we could do was stay where we were up to It's over. "

In San Bernardino County, Governor Gavin Newsom declared the state of emergency "in conditions of extreme danger to the safety of people and property."

The California Emergency Services Office provided beds, water and meals, as well as cooling centers, said director Mark Ghilarducci. He did not report the wounded.

State Highway Police closed a stretch of the 48-km National Highway 178 (Ridgecrest) and the town of Trona, southwest of Death Valley, due to a gully and the presence of severe cracks.

departure Ron Mikulaco and his nephew examine the breaking of Highway 178.