Earthquake strikes in southern Kern County, felt across region

A 5.2 temblor struck in south Kern County at 9:09 p.m. Tuesday reverberating throughout the area.

The earthquake was centered in Lamont on the north side of the Grapevine, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Many residents throughout Ventura County received an emergency warning on their cell phones prior to the effect of the quake.

A series of aftershocks ranging in magnitude from 2.6 to 4.5 continued to shake the area near Lamont, USGS data shows. The depth of the quake registered at 11.7 km.

The agency's site typically recalculates the data within the first few hours of the earthquake so figures can move slightly up or down.

When was the last big earthquake in California?

The most recent significant earthquake in the state — either a magnitude of 6.5 or greater or that caused loss of life or more than $200,000 damage — was the 6.4-magnitude earthquake that occurred in the Pacific Ocean near Ferndale in 2022, according to the state department of conservation , which tracks “big” earthquakes in California.

That earthquake struck in the early morning hours multiple miles west of Ferndale on Dec. 20, 2022, USA TODAY reported . It indirectly caused two deaths and damaged homes and roads in Humboldt County.

You can track earthquakes recorded within the last 30 days in America and internationally through USGS’ latest earthquakes map , though USGS cautions it should not be considered a complete list of earthquakes.

Those searching for information about recent earthquakes limited to California and Nevada can visit the Southern California Earthquake Data Center's website .

What have been the biggest earthquakes in recorded California history?

California's largest recorded earthquakes since 1800, ranked by magnitude, according to the California Department of Conservation.

• 7.9 : Jan. 9, 1857 in Fort Tejon Two killed; created 220-mile surface scar
• 7.8 : April 18, 1906 in San Francisco Possibly 3,000 killed; 225,000 displaced
• 7.4 : March 26, 1872 in Owens Valley. 27 killed; three aftershocks of magnitude >6
• 7.4 : Nov. 8, 1980 just west of Eureka Injured 6; $2 million in damage
• 7.3 : July 21, 1952 in Kern County 12 killed; included three magnitude 6-plus aftershocks in five days
• 7.3 : June 28, 1992 in Landers. One killed; 400 injured; $9.1 million in damage
• 7.2 : Jan. 22, 1923 in Mendocino. Damaged homes in several towns
• 7.2 : April 25, 1992 in Cape Mendocino. 356 injuries; $48.3 million in damage
• 7.1 : Nov. 4, 1927 southwest of Lompoc. No major injuries, slight damage in two counties
• 7.1 : Oct. 16, 1999 in Ludlow. Minimal damage due to remote location

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Earthquake strikes in southern Kern County, felt across region