A magnitude-7.1 earthquake hit southern California on Friday night local time, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

The quake happened at around 0320GMT. 

The epicenter was near Ridgercrest, a city in Kern County which is located 272 km north of Los Angeles downtown. A nearby area was hit by a magnitude 6.4 earthquake Thursday.

No deaths or serious injuries had been reported as of late Friday evening, but there were reports of building collapses and power outages in the town of Trona, California Office of Emergency Services director Mark Ghilarducci told a press conference.

California Governor Gavin Newsom said he had requested emergency federal assistance from the White House, and state resources had been activated at "its highest level."  

The Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles expressed their concerns about the earthquake in a statement released on Friday night. The statement expressed condolences to families affected by the earthquake, including overseas Chinese.

The Consulate General has not received reports of Chinese citizens seeking help after the disaster, said the release.

The Consulate General also urged Chinese citizens to pay attention to official information and media reports, respond appropriately during the earthquake, ensure personal safety, and contact the Consulate General when necessary.

The latest quake is an ongoing earthquake sequence which follows a 6.4-magnitude earthquake in the same area the day before, said USGS official at a press conference.

At least 1,700 aftershocks have been recorded in the region since Thursday.

(with inputs from agencies)