Kern County's Earth-Shattering History
1952 Earthquake: A Devastating Force
On July 21, 1952, the southern San Joaquin Valley was violently shaken by the 1952 Kern County earthquake. Measuring 7.3 on the moment magnitude scale, it ranks among the largest earthquakes in the nation's history.
Tehachapi's Devastation
The epicenter of the earthquake lay near Tehachapi, a small town in the Tehachapi Mountains. The town was devastated by the quake, with severe damage to buildings, infrastructure, and roads. The earthquake also caused significant landslides, further isolating the community.
Bakersfield's Aftermath
Despite being located some distance from the epicenter, Bakersfield was not spared the quake's wrath. The city experienced intense shaking and up to 4 feet of elevation change, which caused severe damage to buildings and homes. The earthquake also caused several fires, adding to the chaos and destruction.
Aftershocks and Legacy
The 1952 Kern County earthquake was followed by a series of aftershocks, the most significant of which occurred just a month later on August 22. This aftershock had a magnitude of 5.8 and caused further damage to Bakersfield. The legacy of the 1952 earthquake continues to shape the region, with seismic precautions and preparedness measures being a top priority.
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