A magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck Los Angeles today, sending tremors throughout the city and surrounding areas. According to the US Geological Survey, the quake hit at 12:20 p.m. PT, initially reported with an intensity of 4.7 but later adjusted to 4.4. The earthquake, which occurred at a depth of just 7.5 miles, was centered directly beneath the densely populated areas of Los Angeles, making its impact widely felt despite its relatively moderate magnitude.
Witnesses described the event as a sudden and forceful jolt. A local nursing school instructor in Glendale recounted, “It was a jolt. And then the building just started to shake violently. It wasn’t one of those gentle rolling quakes we sometimes get. I had to hold on to the door jamb to keep from falling.” This sentiment was echoed by others who experienced the quake, underscoring the intensity of the shaking.
In the immediate aftermath, the Los Angeles Fire Department implemented earthquake response protocols, with crews at 106 fire stations conducting thorough inspections of their areas. Fortunately, no injuries or significant structural damage were reported, according to department officials. The Pasadena Fire Department also reported minimal damage, including a broken water pipe at the top of the city hall rotunda and one individual temporarily trapped in an elevator.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell expressed relief that there were no major damages or road closures resulting from the quake. Supervisor Kathryn Barger took the opportunity to remind residents of the importance of earthquake preparedness. She encouraged those feeling unsettled by the quake to visit the county’s preparedness website, ready.lacounty.gov, for valuable tips on how to stay safe and prepare for future seismic events.
This earthquake follows a series of recent seismic activities in Southern California, including a 5.2 magnitude quake near Bakersfield just a week ago and a 4.9 magnitude tremor near Barstow in late July. Such events serve as a reminder of the region's seismic volatility and the importance of being prepared for future incidents.
As this story continues to develop, residents and officials alike are staying vigilant and assessing the situation. The impact of today's quake underscores the need for ongoing awareness and preparedness in earthquake-prone areas like Los Angeles.
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