A light yet perceptible earthquake jolted Southern California on Friday, leaving residents and officials alert but with no immediate reports of significant damage or injuries.
The seismic event, with a magnitude of 4.2, occurred at 10:55 a.m. and was centered approximately a mile northwest of Lytle Creek in the San Gabriel Mountains, around 45 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, according to the US Geological Survey.
Mild Quake, Strong Impact
The depth of the earthquake was estimated to be about 5.5 miles.
Despite its magnitude, earthquakes of this size typically do not cause substantial damage. Michael Guardado, stationed at the Lytle Creek Ranger Station, described the building shaking forcefully during the quake. Reports indicated that rocks had fallen onto Lytle Creek Road, and locals recounted the experience of feeling a “hard boom and a shake.”
Cari Torguson, a bartender at Melody’s Place in Lytle Creek, shared her experience, noting that the earthquake was short but unsettling. She reported some minor damage, such as a decorative glass mushroom falling and breaking, along with a jar of instant coffee toppling off a shelf in the adjacent store. Fortunately, the few people inside the building managed to escape harm.
Read more: Magnitude 1.7 Earthquake Strikes New York City
Insights into the Recent Southern California Earthquake
The quake’s impact was felt beyond the epicenter, reaching downtown Los Angeles as a slight rocking sensation. Shaking was also reported in surrounding counties and cities, including Long Beach, more than 50 miles southwest of Lytle Creek. The Los Angeles Fire Department and San Bernardino County fire authorities confirmed that there were no immediate reports of injuries or significant damage in their respective areas.
The earthquake occurred in Cajon Pass, where the San Andreas and San Jacinto faults converge, according to veteran seismologist Lucy Jones. She noted the historical context, referencing a magnitude 5.2 quake in 1970 with a 4.0 foreshock in a similar location.
The earthquake warning system, ShakeAlert, initially estimated the magnitude above 4.5, triggering alerts on cellphones.
While the system is designed to provide early warnings for significant shaking, it proved to be a valuable tool for preparedness in this instance. The quick response and lack of major damage underscore the importance of such systems in earthquake-prone regions like Southern California.
