4.4 Magnitude Quake Shakes LA!

A magnitude 4.4 earthquake shook Los Angeles on Monday at 12:20 p.m. PT, rattling nerves and prompting a swift response from local emergency services. Initially recorded as a 4.7-magnitude quake, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) later downgraded the intensity to 4.4, noting that it was still classified as a “notable” seismic event.

Despite its relatively modest magnitude, the quake’s shallow depth of just 7.5 miles meant that it was felt widely across the densely populated city. The tremor’s proximity to the surface magnified its impact, leading to sudden and forceful shaking in various parts of the city.

“It was a jolt,” shared a local nursing school instructor from Glendale with CNN affiliate KABC. “And then the building just started to shake violently. It wasn’t those nice roll-y ones we get. I had to hold on to the door jamb.”

Seismic events with magnitudes between 4 and 5 typically cause light shaking and result in minimal or no structural damage. However, the location and depth of Monday’s earthquake made it more noticeable to residents across the Los Angeles area, even as it caused little in the way of physical harm.

In recent weeks, the region has experienced a series of minor tremors, including a magnitude 4.9 earthquake near Barstow on July 29 and a magnitude 5.2 temblor near Bakersfield just last Tuesday. These seismic activities, though more powerful than Monday’s event, serve as reminders of the ever-present threat of earthquakes in Southern California.

Following the quake, the Los Angeles Fire Department immediately activated its earthquake mode. Crews at 106 fire stations were dispatched to conduct thorough surveys of their districts, checking for any signs of damage or injury. After a meticulous inspection, the department confirmed that there were no reports of injuries or significant structural damage.

While driving through Pasadena, Deputy Chief Anthony James of the Pasadena Fire Department felt the tremor firsthand. “I was parked next to a bus. It felt like the whole ground was going away from under me. I thought, ‘What was that?’ And quickly figured it out,” he recounted to KABC.

In Pasadena, the most significant reported impact of the quake was a broken water pipe—a leaking sprinkler head located at the top of the city hall rotunda. Officials reported that one person was briefly trapped in an elevator during the shaking but was safely freed shortly afterward.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell expressed relief over the minimal damage. “Thankfully, no major damages or road closures were reported due to the earthquake,” she stated.

Supervisor Kathryn Barger took the opportunity to urge residents to stay vigilant and prepared for future quakes. “I want to remind L.A. County residents who are feeling jittery after today’s quake to visit ready.lacounty.gov. 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,” she advised.

The earthquake serves as a reminder of the ever-present seismic risks in the region. While this latest tremor passed without major incident, the authorities continue to emphasize the importance of preparedness in a city that lives under the constant shadow of the next big quake.