‘By the grace of God,’ no fatalities, only minor injuries following earthquake in Ridgecrest

Jul. 6--RIDGECREST -- Carmen Morena pulled out a mattress onto her front lawn, dressed it, and laid on top of it after the magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Ridgecrest Friday night.

Through a translator, Morena said Saturday she felt safer outside, tucked under the shade of a tree, rather than inside her home. She'd never felt an earthquake quite like this one -- it was the strongest one she's experienced, and she's lived in California a long time.

Morena said she was driving home from the store when the earthquake struck, and it terrified her. When she arrived home, she discovered glass littered her floors after picture frames dropped from the walls. Nothing too substantial was damaged, she said. It was an obvious choice for her to stay outside on her mattress in case another earthquake centered nearby.

"By the grace of God" there were only minor injuries and no casualties reported after the second -- and more powerful -- earthquake centered near Ridgecrest rocked its citizens.

That's according to Ridgecrest Police Chief Jed McLaughlin, who stressed that "it's hard for the world to know what (Ridgecrest has) been through," because the damage, stress and emotional turmoil caused by two large earthquakes doesn't necessarily show in a photo.

Friday's temblor came in at magnitude 7.1, although it was also previously reported at 6.9, according to the United States Geological Survey. It surpassed Thursday's 6.4 earthquake that took place in what appears to be the same general area.

Thursday's earthquake is now considered a foreshock.

Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in both Kern and San Berdardino counties.

Newsom said in a press conference Saturday afternoon that he has been in contact with President Donald Trump, who has committed to give Southern California "whatever you need."

He also echoed McLaughlin's sentiments that the community is lucky to have suffered minimal damage, considering the size and power of the earthquakes.

Structures in Ridgecrest remain upright, and although "some have sustained some major damage, they're still standing," McLaughlin said at a press conference Saturday morning.

The dam at Isabella Lake, too, is still standing and in good condition, McLaughlin said.

Kern County Battalion Chief Dionisio Mitchell said there were three structure fires Friday night and one fire at a mobile home that resulted in a "complete loss."

Newsom said property damage is in the billions of dollars.

"We've got to be prepared," Newsom said. "This is a wake-up call."

All rockfall and debris on Highway 178 was cleared by Caltrans after maintenance crews worked through the night. Roads with cracks were also patched overnight but remain rugged and uneven, said Christine Knadler, chief public information officer for Caltrans District 9. Highway 178 is passable, but Knadler urged drivers to use caution.

The Naval Air Weapons Station at China Lake was also evacuated Saturday. The station was deemed "not mission capable." Safety of the station's personnel and family was the highest importance.

The American Red Cross shelter, located at the Kerr McGee Center in Ridgecrest, will continue to be open and operational so long as people need it. With a capacity of 500, three warm meals a day and air conditioning, the shelter appealed to those who lost power Friday night -- which has since come back on, according to KCFD.

Some 163 people were sheltered with the Red Cross Friday night.

"Please make sure you are prepared," said Mimi Teller, Red Cross public information officer. "As you know, these happen any time when we least expect it."

Nate Kimbler, a leader of the Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ridgecrest, said his house saw a bit of damage -- books falling off of shelves, for example -- but his church in town saw structural damage both inside and out.

Fallen bricks laid in the grass after tumbling from the steeple of the church. The inside was too dangerous for anyone to enter, Kimbler said.

"Nobody's going in there," Kimbler said.

A group of churchgoers was getting ready to head to Trona with a trailer-full of water bottles, because people in Trona "don't have any water right now," Kimbler said.

"We've got to help out in some way," Kimbler said.

Safety Tips

Safety tips

The American Red Cross offers these safety tips, and says more can be found at redcross.org/earthquake

Caring for yourself and loved ones

--If you are at home, look quickly for damage in and around your home and get everyone out if your home is unsafe.

--Listen to a portable, battery­ operated or hand­ crank radio for updated emergency information and instructions.

--Pay attention to how you and your loved ones are experiencing and handling stress. Promote emotional recovery by following these tips.

--Watch animals closely and keep them under your direct control.

--Help people who require additional assistance -- infants, elderly people, those without transportation, large families who may need additional help in an emergency situation, people with disabilities, and the people who care for them.

--Be careful when driving after an earthquake and anticipate traffic light outages.

Aftershocks are still a possibility, so if another earthquake or aftershock comes:

DROP, COVER and HOLD ON

--Move as little as possible -- most injuries during earthquakes occur because of people moving around, falling and suffering sprains, fractures and head injuries.

--Try to protect your head and torso.

--If you are in bed, stay there, curl up and hold on, and cover your head.

--Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to exit.

How can you help?

If you are interested in helping the victims of the Ridgecrest earthquakes, the American Red Cross is accepting monetary donations through their website.

The Kern Community Foundation is also accepting donations to assist those affected. The foundation is asking for donations in the following way by going to their website, calling 661-325-5346, or by check. Make your check payable to Kern Community Foundation and mail or deliver it to 3300 Truxtun Ave., Suite 220, Bakersfield CA 93301.

Statement from Shannon Grove

The following statement is from the office of Sen. Shannon Grove, R-Bakersfield:

"I continue to monitor the situation and receive updates from Cal OES on the impact of both massive earthquakes. I am moved by the swift and collaborative response from local, state, and federal agencies. First responders are still evaluating the extent of the damage to commercial and residential infrastructure, but above all I am grateful to God that no lives have been reported lost.

"I appreciate Governor Newsom's expeditious response in activating a state of emergency. This action will provide the affected region with immediate resources. The governor's visit today to California's 16th Senate District will also allow him to see firsthand the extent of the damage. But we are strong and resilient so I am optimistic that we will quickly rebuild.

"However, our situation remains unpredictable as officials from OES indicate that we can expect more aftershocks and perhaps even another powerful quake. I urge everyone to be prepared and heed the warnings of first responders."

Statement from Vince Fong

Assemblyman Vince Fong, R-Bakersfield, sent this statement to the Daily Independent in Ridgecrest:

"Immediately following the 7.1 magnitude earthquake I headed to the Kern County Emergency Operation Center in Bakersfield where I witnessed impressive communication and collaboration amongst our first responders and emergency providers.

"This is an uneasy time for our neighbors and community, but I assure you Ridgecrest and the surrounding areas are not alone, and we will continue to provide the support necessary to ensure residents can move forward. Our priority is to make sure all necessary resources and services are available to the Indian Wells Valley."

Statement from Kevin McCarthy

The following statement is from the office of Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield:

"Last night's earthquake was one of the biggest ones I can remember. Lots of damage and power outages in the Ridgecrest area, but thankfully no reports of death or serious injuries.

"First responders and search-and-rescue teams have been working through the night. I've been at our Incident Command Center coordinating with local officials and the Governor's office to ensure Kern County has the response and recovery aid that we need."

Maureen Strode can be reached at 661-395-7491. Follow her on Twitter: @maureenstrode.

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