Magnitude 5.2 Earthquake Jolts Kern County, California
Epicenter Located near Lamont, Followed by Aftershocks
5.2 Quake Shakes Bakersfield, Fresno, and Los Angeles County
A magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck Kern County, California, on Tuesday, December 20, 2023, at 9:09 pm local time. The quake was centered approximately 18 miles southwest of Bakersfield and 15 miles southwest of Lamont, in a sparsely populated agricultural area. The epicenter was close to the Grapevine portion of Interstate 5.
The earthquake was felt throughout Kern County, as well as in Fresno, Bakersfield, and Los Angeles County. Numerous aftershocks followed the initial quake, with some residents reporting feeling the ground shaking for several minutes.
There were no immediate reports of major damage or injuries. However, the quake did cause power outages in some areas. Several roads were also closed due to debris or damage. Emergency crews are currently assessing the situation and working to restore services.
Residents are advised to be prepared for additional aftershocks and to take precautions to stay safe, such as securing loose objects and keeping a flashlight and first-aid kit nearby.
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