Magnitude 72 Earthquake Causes Widespread Damage

Breaking News: Major Earthquake Strikes Central California

Magnitude 7.2 Earthquake Causes Widespread Damage

Over 100,000 Affected as Buildings Collapse and Roads Buckle

A powerful magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck central California on Tuesday morning, causing widespread damage and shaking the region for several minutes. The epicenter of the quake was located near Parkfield, about 100 miles south of San Francisco, at a depth of 6.4 miles. Shaking was felt as far away as Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

Initial reports indicate that over 100,000 people have been affected by the earthquake. Buildings have collapsed, including a multi-story building in Santa Cruz, and roads have buckled, making it difficult for emergency crews to reach affected areas. There are also reports of widespread power outages and gas leaks.

Emergency responders are currently on scene and conducting search and rescue operations. The extent of injuries and fatalities is still unknown, but officials fear that the number could be high. The earthquake has also caused significant damage to infrastructure, including bridges, railroads, and communication networks.

The earthquake is a reminder of the ongoing seismic risk in California. The Parkfield region, in particular, is known for its seismic activity and has been expected to produce a major earthquake for decades. Scientists are still studying the earthquake and its potential aftershocks, which could continue for days or even weeks.