Southern California rattled by 5.7 magnitude earthquake after rare alert seconds before to 'take cover'

Southern California was hit by by 5.7 magnitude earthquake as shockwaves were reported across the region.

People reported homes shaking , with some saying they even received a warning on their phones seconds before. One person took to X and wrote: "Wow!!! Just had an #Earthquake here in Los Angeles and actually got a warning about it about 10 seconds before it happened on my phone. Never got that kind of alert before!"

Another user wrote: "Then another oddity I received an Emergency alert to take cover. This is after experiencing an earthquake within seconds of one another." It comes days after a quake shook the desert area east of Los Angeles.

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The U.S. Geological Survey said the magnitude 4.9 quake occurred at about 1 p.m. and was centered 13.7 miles (22 kilometers) northeast of the community of Barstow.  It was felt as a “rolling sensation” about 80 miles (129 kilometers) away in the desert resort city of Palm Springs, but there were no immediate reports of damage, said police Lt. Gustavo Araiza.

San Bernardino County had no immediate reports of damage or injuries, said Mara Rodriguez, a spokesperson for the county sheriff’s department.

Elsewhere in southern California this week, a huge wildfire has seen homes burnt to the ground in Southern California's Inland Empire.

The blaze began as a vegetation fire in the Little Mountain Drive area on Monday afternoon before rapidly spreading to nearby homes as thousands were evacuated, the San Bernadino County Fire Department said. The 'Edgehill Fire' has engulfed a number of homes, cars, trailers and other buildings.

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It was initially reported the fire had burned five acres, but was spreading rapidly across dry brush and scorching temperatures , growing to a huge 54 acres. On Monday evening, fire officials said containment was estimated at 25% with forward progress stopped.

At least half a dozen homes were on fire, with others in dangerous close proximity. Marshall Elementary School at 3288 North G Street is open for those impacted by the fire. San Bernardino police said one person was detained in connection with the blaze, reports abc7.

San Bernardino County fire spokesman Eric Sherwin said about 200 firefighters, 40 engines and three hand crews were involved in battling the blaze, with help from Riverside city and CalFire.