Southern California Struck by 4.4-Magnitude Earthquake
Shaking Felt Across Wide Swath of City
No Immediate Reports of Damage or Injuries
A 4.4-magnitude earthquake struck the El Sereno neighborhood of Los Angeles on Monday afternoon, rattling a wide swath of the city. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.
The earthquake occurred at 4:06 p.m. PST and was centered about 1.5 miles underground. It was felt as far away as San Diego and Ventura County.
The quake was the largest to hit the Los Angeles area since a 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck Ridgecrest in 2019.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the El Sereno earthquake was part of a sequence of quakes that have been occurring in the area in recent weeks.
There have been more than 20 earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 or greater in the Los Angeles area in the past week.
Seismologists say the recent quakes are likely related to the San Andreas Fault, which runs through Southern California.
The San Andreas Fault is one of the most active seismic faults in the world and is capable of producing major earthquakes.
The USGS estimates that there is a 30% chance of a magnitude 7.5 or greater earthquake occurring on the San Andreas Fault in the next 30 years.
Residents of Southern California are urged to be prepared for earthquakes.
Here are some tips for earthquake preparedness:
- Have a plan for what to do in the event of an earthquake.
- Keep a supply of food, water, and other emergency supplies on hand.
- Secure heavy objects in your home, such as bookcases and mirrors.
- Learn how to turn off your gas and electricity.
- Be aware of the earthquake hazards in your area.
For more information on earthquake preparedness, visit the USGS website at https://www.usgs.gov/earthquakes/earthquake-hazards.
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