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LA QUAKE
California’s biggest earthquake in 20 years measuring 6.4 magnitude rocks buildings from Los Angeles to Las Vegas
CALIFORNIA was rocked by its biggest earthquake in 20 years as Americans geared up to celebrate Independence Day.
The 6.4-magnitude epicentre was reported near Searles Valley, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).
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Buildings were rocked and some roads were left badly damaged as the quake triggered dozens of emergency calls.
The town of Ridgecrest - 11 miles from the epicentre - saw some building fires break out as it suffered the worst of the damage.
Residents in Las Vegas, some 269 miles from Los Angeles, shared footage of lamps shaking in their homes, as the quake struck.
Aftershocks measuring 4.7, 3.5, 3.8 and 4.2 were recorded, according to officials.
The quake's centre occurred in a remote area, some 125 miles from the centre of Los Angeles, around five miles underground.
US actress Lucy Hale tweeted: "I know everyone’s tweeting about this LA earthquake but that s*** was super long. I’m shook. Literally."
La Toya Jackson tweeted: "This was absolutely horrible! I thought the ceiling was caving in.
"All the chandeliers were swinging. And kept hearing tons of crackling! I’m still shaking it was a long one."
While officials are still carrying out checks there does not appear to have been any major structural damage caused.
Some buildings in Ridgecrest suffered some damage though.
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QUAKE FELT FROM LA TO VEGAS
Los Angeles Airport, LAX, reported: "Runways have been inspected with no reported damage to the airfield or the Sepulveda tunnel. Operations remain normal."
The city's fire department said: "All 106 fire stations are out conducting a strategic survey of their districts to determine if any damage exists."
The Laguna Beach police said that there was "NO tsunami danger to the California coastline".
The Los Angeles Police (LAPD) warned people not to dial 911 unless it was an emergency.
It said in a statement: "We are very much aware of the significant earthquake that just occurred in Southern California. Please DO NOT call 9-1-1 unless there are injuries or other dangerous conditions. Don't call for questions please."
The quake comes as all across the country Americans were gearing up to celebrate Independence Day.
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In 1994 an earthquake measuring 6.6 struck Northridge, California, killing dozens and caused extensive damage.
On the other side of the US 'America's Independence Day Parade' took place in Washington DC along Constitution Avenue.
Along with the parade, there was a military flyover and later on a fireworks display.
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