TRONA, Calif. — The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that economic losses from the July 4 and 5 earthquakes will exceed $10 million, with a 30 percent chance that losses exceed $100 million, according to the offices of First District Supervisor Robert Lovingood.
The July 5, 2019 magnitude 7.1 earthquake near eastern California’s Searles Valley resulted from shallow strike-slip faulting in the North America plate crust.
Following the earthquakes, scientists with the USGS and California Geological Survey — with help from the U.S. Navy — began to survey and map the surface ruptures and offset features that resulted from the earthquake.
Results from these investigations will be made public in the coming weeks.
Trona recovery efforts remain in place with services continuing.
“We appreciate the support of our County staff, volunteers, and partner agencies who have been providing around the clock services to address the critical needs of our County residents,” stated the release.
The San Bernardino County Fire Department released an Initial Damage Assessment detailing the number of properties inspected and damaged properties in the cities of Ridgecrest and Trona.
According to the department 165 properties have been inspected and inspectors determined the following damage:
Definition
Red-Tagged – not habitable in current conditions, structure has been severely damaged to the degree that that it is too dangerous to inhabit.
Yellow-Tagged – moderately damaged to the degree that its habitability is limited, not suitable for overnight stays,
limited occupancy.
Residential
Red-Tagged: 31
Yellow-Tagged: 51
Commercial
Red-Tagged: 8
Yellow-Tagged: 4
Underground Storage Fuel Tanks Red-Tagged: 4
Officials said figures are expected to increase as additional calls for inspections are received and due to the amount of aftershocks plaguing the region. These figures do not include the estimated 180 buildings that are abandoned, collapsed and/or burnt.
A report is being compiled and will be sent to state and federal officials for review. FEMA will ultimately determine if the earthquake damage meets the Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act criteria/threshold for assistance, such as low interest loans.
With aftershocks occurring daily, residents are reminded to continue using caution and evaluate the stability of their homes. If you feel your home has become unsafe, you can call 877-410-8829 (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) and safety officials will respond and inspect the structure.
San Bernardino County continues to assist Trona residents in its recovery efforts, providing essential resources. A Local Assistance Center (LAC), a one-stop shop providing free supportive services, remains open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily at Trona High School. Residents can also visit www.sbcounty.gov for additional resources and recovery information.
To follow updates to this article and more, Join our newsgroup on Facebook with over 121,000 members, Like our Facebook page, and Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
Leave a comment
Comment(s)
Comments