Magnitude 4.4 earthquake shakes Los Angeles

**Magnitude 4.4 Earthquake Shakes Los Angeles, Prompts Preparedness Reminder**

On Monday, a magnitude 4.4 earthquake shook Los Angeles at 12:20 p.m. PT, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). Initially, the earthquake was reported as a magnitude 4.7, but after further analysis, it was revised down to 4.4. Even though the earthquake wasn’t extremely strong, it was still widely felt across the city due to its shallow depth and location directly under populated areas.

**Understanding the Earthquake’s Impact**

The earthquake was relatively shallow, occurring just 7.5 miles below the surface. Shallow earthquakes like this one are often felt more strongly at the surface compared to deeper ones. This is why, despite the moderate magnitude, many people in Los Angeles felt the ground shake. The earthquake was classified as “notable” by the USGS because of its impact on a densely populated area.

People across Los Angeles shared their experiences of the quake. A woman who teaches at a nursing school in Glendale, a city near Los Angeles, described the moment to a CNN affiliate. She said, “It was a jolt, and then the building just started to shake violently. It wasn’t those nice roll-y ones we get. I had to hold on to the door jamb.” Her experience reflects how sudden and intense the shaking felt, even though the earthquake was not one of the largest the area has seen.

**Comparing the Magnitude**

To put this into perspective, earthquakes with magnitudes between 4.0 and 5.0 generally cause light shaking and minimal damage. They can be unsettling, but they rarely cause serious harm to buildings or people. However, when an earthquake occurs directly under a city, even a smaller one like this can be quite noticeable.

**Recent Seismic Activity in Southern California**

This wasn’t the first time recently that Southern California has experienced an earthquake. On July 29, a magnitude 4.9 earthquake occurred near Barstow, which is northeast of Los Angeles. Just a few days before Monday’s quake, on Tuesday, another earthquake with a magnitude of 5.2 struck near Bakersfield. These events are reminders that Southern California is an active seismic region, and earthquakes are a natural part of life here.

**Emergency Response and Damage Assessment**

After the earthquake on Monday, the Los Angeles Fire Department quickly went into “earthquake mode.” This is a standard procedure where crews at the city’s 106 fire stations begin checking their areas for any damage or emergencies caused by the quake. Fortunately, after completing their surveys, the department reported no injuries or significant structural damage.

The Pasadena Fire Department, in a neighboring city, also responded to the earthquake. Deputy Chief Anthony James shared his experience of the earthquake while he was out driving. “I was parked next to a bus. It felt like the whole ground was going away from under me. I thought, ‘What was that?’ And quickly figured it out,” he said. Despite the shaking, Pasadena did not suffer major damage. The only reported incident was a broken water pipe at the city hall, specifically a leaking sprinkler head at the top of the rotunda. One person in Pasadena was briefly trapped in an elevator, but they were quickly freed without injury.

**Local Authorities Reassure and Remind Residents**

Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell reassured the public by confirming that there were no major damages or road closures due to the earthquake. Her statement provided some comfort to residents who might have been worried about the potential impact of the quake.

Supervisor Kathryn Barger took the opportunity to remind residents of the importance of being prepared for earthquakes. She encouraged everyone to visit the website ready.lacounty.gov, which offers helpful tips and information on how to prepare for earthquakes and other potential hazards. She acknowledged that earthquakes can be unsettling, especially for those who may have been frightened by the recent shaking, but emphasized that preparedness is key to staying safe.

**Staying Prepared for the Next Earthquake**

Earthquakes are a part of life in Southern California, and while they can’t be predicted, being prepared can make a big difference. Residents are encouraged to have an emergency plan in place, know how to secure heavy objects in their homes, and keep emergency supplies on hand, such as water, food, and first aid kits. Knowing what to do during an earthquake—like taking cover under sturdy furniture and staying away from windows—can also help keep you safe.

Monday’s earthquake serves as a reminder of the importance of being ready for when the ground starts shaking. Even though this earthquake did not cause major damage, it’s a good time for residents to review their emergency plans and make sure they’re prepared for the next one.

(CNN:https://edition.cnn.com/2024/08/12/us/earthquake-los-angeles-california-pasadena-la/index.html)