4.4 Magnitude Earthquake Rattles Los Angeles and Beyond
In a sudden development, a significant earthquake of magnitude 4.4 has hit Southern California, causing ripples of shockwaves that were felt throughout the region. This seismic event occurred around 12:20 p.m., not too far away from the city, precisely 2.5 miles south-southeast of Highland Park near Los Angeles’ Chinatown neighborhood.
Immediate Effects and Reactions
The earthquake was initially reported as magnitude 4.7 by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), but subsequent updates revised it down to a 4.4. The quake was notably deep, striking at a depth of 7.5 miles. Residents in the greater Los Angeles area reported feeling the tremors, as indicated by multiple responses to the USGS “Felt Report”. The tremor was perceptible from L.A.’s westside to the Inland Empire and beyond, sparking reaction from local residents.
In Hollywood, workers stated that the “whole building was shaking pretty good.” There was also a report of the station’s engineering team inspecting the building and other structures, checking for any possible damage or safety concerns.
Emergency Responses
In the wake of the earthquake, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) promptly went into “earthquake mode”. Fire personnel from all 106 LAFD neighborhood stations were dispatched to perform surveys of their respective districts, looking specifically for damage to critical infrastructure or localized areas of concern.
As of 1:45 p.m., this process was still ongoing, with no significant infrastructure damage identified within the LAFD service area. LAFD representative Margaret Stewart reported that there hadn’t been any “reports of extensive damage anywhere.”
Destruction Evident in Pasadena City Hall
In a disturbing revelation, an aerial footage seemed to show water spewing from the side of Pasadena City Hall, prompting intervention by fire crews. This showed the severity of the aftershocks, drawing attention to potential damage to infrastructure, especially older buildings.
Tsunami Alert
Despite the significant quake, the National Weather Service confirmed that the U.S. Tsunami Warning System was not activated. This suggests that there is no immediate risk of a tsunami due to the quake, although coastal regions will likely remain on high alert.
Safety Measures During an Earthquake
Considering California’s history and susceptibility to earthquakes, it’s crucial to know the best practices to protect oneself during such events. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) offers essential guidelines for how to react when an earthquake hits. The key points can be summarized as: Drop, Cover, and Hold On.
- Drop: Immediately drop down onto your hands and knees. This position prevents you from being knocked over and allows you to stay low and crawl to safety if necessary.
- Cover: Use one arm to protect your head and neck, and take shelter under a sturdy table or desk if possible. If there’s no accessible shelter, get down next to an interior wall away from windows. Stay on your knees and bend over to protect vital organs.
- Hold On: Hold on to your shelter until the shaking stops. Be prepared to move with your shelter if it shifts.
This incident serves as another reminder of California’s seismic activity. Even though thousands of earthquakes are recorded each year, most are too minor to feel. Only about 15 to 20 cross the threshold of a 4.0 magnitude. As more details about this earthquake emerge, it’s hoped that the impact remains minimal and safety protocols continue to be upheld.
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
