4.4 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Southern California, Triggers Emergency Response and Inspection of Infrastructure

Emergency response earthquake aftermath

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.