A magnitude 5.3 earthquake hit the San Joaquin Valley late on Tuesday, centered in Lamont, California, about 21 miles from Bakersfield. No injuries or damage were immediately reported, but the quake was followed by numerous aftershocks. The quake was felt as far away as Los Angeles. Renowned seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones noted that the quake was near the White Wolf fault that produced a major earthquake in 1952, but it did not appear to be on that fault. The last significant earthquake in California was a 6.4 magnitude quake near Ferndale in 2022.
California has a history of large earthquakes, with some of the biggest ones including a 7.9 in 1857, a 7.8 in 1906 that caused massive damage in San Francisco, and a 7.3 in 1952 in Kern County. During an earthquake, it is important to follow safety protocols such as dropping to your hands and knees, staying away from windows, and holding onto something sturdy. If you are driving during an earthquake, it is advised to slow down and pull over safely, remain in the vehicle with seat belts on, and only start driving again once it is safe.
It is important to be prepared for earthquakes as they can happen anytime, and knowing what to do during such events can save lives and prevent injuries.
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