Magnitude 4.4 Earthquake Shakes Southern California, Rattling The Greater Los Angeles Area

On Monday afternoon, an earthquake shook Southern California, rattling nerves and buildings across the greater Los Angeles area. This seismic event, initially reported as a magnitude 4.6, was later revised to 4.4 by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). It struck at 12:20 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located near Highland Park, just northeast of downtown Los Angeles.

The quake's epicenter was approximately 2.5 miles south-southeast of Highland Park at a depth of 7.5 miles, according to USGS data. Fortunately, while no significant damage or injuries have been reported, the shaking was felt widely across the region. Residents from various parts of the greater Los Angeles area experienced tremors, raising concerns about safety and preparedness.

In light of recent seismic activity, including a larger 5.2 magnitude earthquake near Bakersfield just days prior, this latest tremor highlights California's ongoing vulnerability to seismic events along the San Andreas Fault system. Newsweek reached out to the National Weather Service (NWS) and USGS for additional information regarding the impact and safety measures following the quake.

M4.4 earthquake at 12:20pm PDT on 12 August, centered in the Highland Park/South Pasadena area. Did you feel it? https://t.co/2d42HcW8aN

— USGS Earthquakes (@USGS_Quakes) August 12, 2024

After the earthquake, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) conducted aerial and ground surveys, reporting no major structural damage or fires. However, officials urged residents to remain cautious about potential aftershocks and to check for household hazards like gas leaks or toppled furniture. Local businesses and public spaces experienced brief disruptions as the quake hit, with students at Occidental College in Eagle Rock reporting strong shaking.

Public transportation in Los Angeles faced minor delays as Metro trains automatically slowed during the tremor. After thorough inspections of rail lines and infrastructure, normal operations resumed without any reported issues. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power confirmed that there were no disruptions to the city's water or electrical systems but conducted precautionary inspections of key facilities.

Local officials have been proactive, encouraging residents to stay informed and prepared in the wake of this earthquake. They recommend visiting ready.gov for information on how to prepare for future seismic events, emphasizing the importance of being ready and aware.

Significant earthquake just felt in the Los Angeles area. Reminder, please use 911 only for emergencies. Be prepared for aftershocks.

— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) August 12, 2024

In a statement via social media, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass reassured residents, stating, "A preliminary magnitude 4.7 earthquake shook the Los Angeles region this afternoon. Our @LAFD is now in earthquake mode and is activated to conduct its routine survey of the city to assess for any damages." This response underscores the city's commitment to safety and readiness in the face of natural disasters.