Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

California earthquakes: Celebrities react after 7.1 magnitude quake hits Ridgecrest area

Quake is the biggest to hit the area in two decades

Roisin O'Connor
Saturday 06 July 2019 03:31 EDT
Comments
Los Angeles newsroom shakes live on air as earthquake hits California

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Celebrities in LA have been reacting to the 7.1 magnitude earthquake that hit southern California on Friday (5 June) night.

Busy Philips, Minnie Driver, Gabrielle Union, Kumaul Nanijani and Henry Winkler were among the stars to comment on the biggest earthquake to hit the US state in 20 years, which hit at 8.19pm local time around 11 miles from Ridgecrest.

It was the second to strike the area in two days, after a 6.4 magnitude quake hit the same region on Thursday. It rattled parts of LA and caused fire and building damage near its rural epicentre.

Offices in downtown Los Angeles shook for around 30 seconds. Reports suggest the second quake could be felt as far away as Las Vegas in the neighbouring state of Nevada, and over the border in Mexico.

See the latest reactions from celebrities who live in the area, below:

“Since I had a kid I've kept running shoes and water next to my bed and also in my car,” Busy Philipps tweeted.

“The running shoes had never occurred to me before, I guess? I think it's a good thing to do, is what I'm saying, even if you don't have a kid. Also. I bought those earthquake kits from Amazon.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom offered his “heartfelt support” to those affected and requested a Presidential Emergency Declaration and federal aid to help.

During a press conference, seismologist Dr Lucy Jones pointed out that there is a one in 20 chance that the latest earthquake could be followed by something larger.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in