4.4 magnitude earthquake rattles LA County

A magnitude 4.4 earthquake shook northeast Los Angeles County on Monday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The temblor occurred at 12:20 p.m. and was centered about 2.5 miles south-southeast of Highland Park with an approximate 7.5-mile depth, the USGS reported.

Vibrations from the earthquake were felt as far as San Diego, Santa Barbara and Riverside counties.

There were no reports of serious damage or injuries from the quake.

Area residents reported feeling a rolling effect that lasted several seconds, and in Pasadena near the quake’s epicenter, a water line broke at City Hall, according to published reports. Water was seen spilling from a pipe mounted on the building. Employees evacuated the building but returned to their offices about an hour after the earthquake.

In Glendora, the police department reported that all of the business phone lines at the department and at Glendora City Hall were down, although the 911 emergency system was still working. It was unclear if the phones failed as a result of the earthquake, and the phone service resumed a few hours later.

Locally based seismologist Lucy Jones said at a media briefing that the quake appeared to be from the same set of faults that caused the 1987 Whittier Narrows earthquake. She pointed out that Monday’s activity happened in nearly the same place as a 3.4 magnitude earthquake on June 2.

“There have been others in the past,” Jones said. “In 1989, we had a pair of four-and-a-half’s there were also in the system that were just a half-hour apart. There have been plenty of small ones over the years that are also within this.”

Monday’s seismic activity follows a 5.2-magnitude earthquake on Aug. 6 centered near Bakersfield that was also felt across a wide area of Southern California.

Local officials said the quake should remind residents to be prepared for seismic event that strike at any time without warning.

“Having lived through the Northridge earthquake, today’s tremor made me flashback to what we know are life saving rules during an earthquake: drop, cover, and hold on,” Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said in a statement. “It was also a reminder to us all that we live in earthquake country and we need to be prepared.

“I want to remind L.A. County residents who are feeling jittery after today’s quake to visit ready.lacounty.gov,” Barger said. “You’ll find helpful tips and information on how to prepare and be ready for earthquakes and any other hazard that can impact our county.”

Updated Aug. 13, 2024, 8:20 a.m.