'Megaquake' fears as tectonic plate responsible for LA temblor is same fault that caused Japan 7-mag jolt last week

A significant earthquake just hit the Los Angeles area , striking two miles southwest of Pasadena, California .

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake was magnitude 4.4 and felt through the nearby counties.

The tectonic plate responsible for the LA quake is the same one responsible for the japan quake last Thursday , sparking fears of a 'megaquake.'

Emergency response groups have warned residents to "be prepared for aftershocks." The quake caused no injuries or major damage, and the National Weather Service said a tsunami was not expected.

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Monday's quake was centered near the Los Angeles neighborhood of Highland Park, about 7.5 miles (12.1 kilometers) below the surface.

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said in an X/ Twitter post: "Significant earthquake just felt in the Los Angeles area. Reminder, please use 911 only for emergencies. Be prepared for aftershocks."

The earthquake is understood to have struck at a depth of 7.5 miles, and many in LA stated they had felt shaking, as reported by the US Geological Survey's "Felt Report." A USGS map shows that tremors could be felt all the way to Santa Cruz Island, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Thousand Oaks, Santa Clarita, Bakersfield, Delano, and surrounding areas.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass tweeted: "A preliminary magnitude 4.7 earthquake shook the Los Angeles region this afternoon. Our LAFD is now in earthquake mode and is activated to conduct its routine survey of the city to assess for any damages."

Those at Edward's Air Force Base likely also felt shocks. The area struck by the earthquake included several national parks: Los Padres National Forest, Angeles National Forest, and Sequoia National Park.

People reported feeling it strongly across the Los Angeles area. A medical building shook and residents said glasses and dishes rattled in many places.
The quake comes less than a week after a 5.2 magnitude temblor hit southern California and was also widely felt in Los Angeles.

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