California struck by magnitude 5.2 earthquake shaking buildings in Los Angeles

Earthquake’s epicenter struck about 15 miles southwest of Lamont on Tuesday evening

Magnitude 5.2 earthquake rattles Southern California

Southern California Shaken by 5.2-Magnitude Earthquake

On Tuesday evening, Southern California experienced a 5.2-magnitude earthquake, as reported by the US Geological Survey. The epicentre was located approximately 15 miles southwest of Lamont, striking around 9:10 PM PT. Residents from Fresno, Bakersfield, Santa Clarita, and Ventura felt the tremors.

Initially, the earthquake was measured at 5.3 on the Richter scale before being adjusted to 5.2. Within a minute, dozens of aftershocks followed, with magnitudes reaching as high as 4.5. Seismologist Lucy Jones from the California Institute of Technology noted that around 60 quakes were recorded within the subsequent hour.

The intensity of the shaking near the epicenter was classified as “very strong” on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale.

Impact Assessment and Response

The US Geological Survey, currently evaluating the earthquake’s effects, indicated a low probability of significant damage or casualties. The Los Angeles Fire Department dispatched personnel from various stations to ascertain any potential damage or injuries within the city, which lies about 88 miles from the epicenter. No damage or injuries have been reported so far.

Residents in Ventura, Simi Valley, Camarillo, Santa Clarita, Encino, Hollywood, Santa Monica, North Hollywood, Pasadena, and Woodland Hills reported feeling the quake. According to Caltech’s Seismological Laboratory, at least 31 aftershocks up to magnitude 4.5 occurred.

Emergency Measures and Public Safety

The Los Angeles Fire Department activated “earthquake mode,” with all 106 neighborhood fire stations conducting land, sea, and air surveys. A subsequent release confirmed, “No significant infrastructure damage or injuries have been noted within the City of Los Angeles. LAFD Earthquake Mode is now complete.”

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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass posted on X (formerly Twitter), assuring that city teams will continue to monitor any impacts.

L.A. Metro officials also posted on X, announcing that trains would operate at reduced speeds as a precaution to inspect for damage. They later confirmed that no damage was found.

However, motorists on the southbound 5 Freeway near Grapevine Road faced significant disruptions. A large boulder, likely dislodged by the quake, fell onto the southbound lanes, leading the California Highway Patrol to close several lanes, causing a massive traffic jam.

Seismological Insights

Prominent seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones noted on X that the 5.2-magnitude quake occurred at the southern end of the Central Valley near the White Wolf fault, which produced a magnitude 7.5 quake in 1952. However, she indicated that this recent temblor did not seem to be related to that fault.