Here's How Celebrities and Politicians Reacted to California's Earthquakes
A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Southern California Friday night, one day after a 6.4-magnitude quake rocked the same region. Though tremors were felt as far away as Las Vegas and Mexico, both earthquakes were centered near the city of Ridgecrest, California. And Friday's more powerful quake left in its wake cracked foundations, water and power outages, gas leaks that lead to fires, and several injuries.
Friday’s earthquake was the most powerful one to hit the region in 20 years. And according to experts, there’s an 11% chance that another quake with a magnitude of 7 or higher will rock the area within the next week, while more quakes of at least a magnitude 5 are all-but-promised. For reference, the 2011 Japanese earthquake that triggered a tsunami that killed more than 19,000 had a magnitude of 9.0, which made it the fourth most powerful ever recorded. In California, the Independence Day weekend tremors reignited fears of the "Big One"—a massive quake that could devastate the region and that experts say has a 2% chance of occurring each year.
Of course, Southern California is no stranger to earthquakes—tiny, unnoticeable micro-quakes occur on average of every three minutes, while earthquakes powerful enough to damage buildings happen around two to three times a year. So despite the shaking earth Friday, the Dodgers and Padres played on, and people turned to social media to crack jokes, share reactions, and offer earthquake prep tips. Here's how celebrities and politicians reacted to the quakes.
Kumail Nanjiani
That earthquake was terrifying. Really thought it was the one.
— Kumail Nanjiani (@kumailn) July 6, 2019
Kamala Harris
Another earthquake in Southern California this evening. Grateful to the first responders who are on the scene. Californians: please stay safe, check in on loved ones, and ensure you are prepared in case of another earthquake. Remember to only use 911 for emergencies. https://t.co/Bxy6n95dDW
— Kamala Harris (@SenKamalaHarris) July 6, 2019
Mara Wilson
It all seriousness, drop down and get under the strongest table or desk you have, cover your head, try to stay away from glass, keep slippers by the side of your bed in case one happens at night, hold on and wait it out. #earthquake
— Mara “Get Rid of the Nazis” Wilson (@MaraWilson) July 6, 2019
Eric Swalwell
Hoping all of our SoCal neighbors are safe and sound after today’s #earthquake — thinking about all of the first responders who sprung into action on #4thofJuly.
— Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) July 4, 2019
Lil Nas X
i tried to do the bootle cap challenge and earthquake happen
— nope (@LilNasX) July 4, 2019
Nicki Minaj
That earthquake was intense
— MEGATRON (@NICKIMINAJ) July 6, 2019
Ron Jeremy
Another huge earthquake in LA. I have to stop dropping my dick.
— Ron Jeremy (@RealRonJeremy) July 6, 2019
DJ Qualls
Sitting in Dodger Stadium experiencing an #earthquake with 50,000 other people was unreal. Everyone trying to act casual but you can tell they are shaken.
— DJ Qualls (@TheOnlyDJQualls) July 6, 2019
Gavin Newsome
In response to another large earthquake in Southern California tonight, I have activated the @Cal_OES state operation center to its highest level. The state is coordinating mutual aid to local first responders.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) July 6, 2019
David Spade
All kidding aside. Rules for earthquakes. Stop... drop... then instagram yourself and be super dramatic. Sit back and count likes. #EarthquakeLA
— David Spade (@DavidSpade) July 6, 2019
Minnie Driver
Jesus, Earthquakes are frightening. #EarthquakeLA
— Minnie Driver (@driverminnie) July 6, 2019
Busy Philipps
Since I had a kid I've kept running shoes and water next to my bed and also in my car. 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.
— Busy Philipps (@BusyPhilipps) July 6, 2019
Also. Every year for our kids school, we have to make each of them an earthquake kit and include a letter telling them how much we love them and not to worry cause we will see them soon and I have never not once done that part without sobbing.
— Busy Philipps (@BusyPhilipps) July 6, 2019
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