Edhat Staff
A 4.4 magnitude earthquake struck the Highland Park area of Los Angeles County at 12:20 p.m. on Monday, prompting a small jolt to be felt by some South Coast residents. Initially registered as a 4.7 magnitude quake, the tremor was later downgraded by officials.
The earthquake, which had a depth of nearly six miles, was felt over a vast region, with reports coming from as far as San Diego County to Goleta, and from Victorville to Redlands, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
Residents and pets alike were startled by the quake, with videos surfacing online of the notable jolt and resulting commotion. A handful of edhat readers from Goleta to Carpinteria sent in reports questioning whether they had just felt an earthquake.
A week ago today, a 5.3 magnitude earthquake near Bakersfield was felt by most Central Coast residents which prompted an electronic alert on smart phones.
Despite the widespread alarm, there were no immediate reports of significant damage or injuries. However, the seismic event prompted both the Los Angeles county and city fire departments to enter earthquake mode, a precautionary measure that involves surveying the area for damage.
In Pasadena, a few miles from the earthquake’s epicenter, some minor damage was reported. A pipe burst at Pasadena City Hall, caused by a sprinkler head breaking at the top of the city hall rotunda, leading to water flowing out onto the sidewalk. Additionally, one person found themselves trapped in an elevator within the building, although firefighters were able to promptly rescue them.
Seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones provided insights into the geological characteristics of the region, noting that the area hosts a network of buried faults. She referenced the historical context of the 1987 Whittier Narrows quake, suggesting a complicated web of fault lines at depth, although it remains unclear if the same strand was involved in Monday’s event. Dr. Jones clarified that this earthquake did not occur on the Raymond fault, which is known for being more visibly pronounced in South Pasadena.
Local authorities continue to assess the aftermath of the quake. .Further details will be made available as the situation develops.
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