A 6.4 magnitude earthquake has hit Southern California on the July 4th Independence Day holiday and officials said it was the largest to hit the region in 20 years.

The quake struck north of Los Angeles near the city of Ridgecrest. Injuries have been reported in Ridgecrest, authorities said, but the extent is currently unclear.

A city hospital was evacuated and officials are assessing structural damage to the building.

The United States Geological Survey said the quake struck at 10:33 a.m. PT. The earthquake was initially given a magnitude of 6.6, but was later revised to 6.4.

The quake was also felt more than 150 miles away in Los Angeles, but no damage has been reported there.

A state of emergency has been issued for Ridgecrest by local officials. And California Gov. Gavin Newsom also declared a state of emergency for Kern County, where Ridgecrest is located.

The declaration allows the state to help the region with emergency aid and recovery efforts.

Large cracks opened up in roadways between Trona and Ridgecrest where the 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck. And a massive fire broke out at a home in Ridgecrest, a town of about 28,000 residents.

Ridgecrest Mayor Peggy Breeden when announcing that she declared a state of emergency, also said crews were responding to at least five fires across the city and that crews were assessing broken gas lines.

The Kern County Fire Department said emergency crews were responding to at least 24 medical and fire incidents in the city of Ridgecrest.

Dr. Lucy Jones, a seismologist with the United States Geological Survey, said there has already been a high number of aftershocks following the quake. “I think we have already had probably an excess of 20 3.5 [magnitude aftershocks],” Jones said in a news conference.

She also said several minutes before the news conference, she had logged a 4.1 magnitude aftershock. “We will be continuing to have lots of aftershocks,” she said. “There is a 1 in 20 chance that this location could have an even bigger quake in the next few days.”

This 6.4 magnitude earthquake was the largest quake to hit Southern California since 1999.

The Biblical prophecies (Matthew 24, Luke 21) foretell that earthquakes will be a sign of the Last Days indicating the coming end of the age.

These are signs of the Last Days revealing its time to prepare for the nearing appearance of Jesus Christ by being born again spiritually into the Kingdom of God as Jesus said we must (John 3) and His Apostles (Matthew 16:19) who were authorized described how (Acts 2). Which brings peace and joy in the Holy Spirit in this life and eternal life in the world to come.

This ministry is viewer supported: if each of our viewers would give a donation, no matter the amount, as a tax-deductible offering, you will help ensure the signs of Biblical prophecy continue to be shared with the world. Please Give Here so together we can continue sharing more signs of the coming of Jesus. 

Do you believe in ministry sharing the prophetic signs of Jesus’ coming? … then please join us as a monthly Partner in Prophecy giving any amount each month to share the signs of His coming. Just check the recurring contribution button on the giving page linked below: