Trump declares emergency over California quakes

LOS ANGELES, July 09 (AP): President Donald Trump has declared an emergency for California after two major earthquakes and thousands of aftershocks.

Monday's declaration paves the way for federal aid to help those hard-hit by the quakes.

The declaration authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate disaster relief efforts in Kern and San Bernardino counties.

A magnitude 6.4 quake on Thursday and a 7.1 quake on Friday damaged many homes and roads in the Mojave Desert towns of Ridgecrest and Trona.

An official says she expects "dozens" of properties will be found damaged by recent earthquakes once the Southern California town of Ridgecrest completes its review.

Kern County spokeswoman Megan Person says Monday that inspectors will need several more days to assess all the damage in the desert community.

Person says 100 people were staying at Ridgecrest's main shelter as of Sunday afternoon.