Magnitude 4.4 Earthquake Shakes Highland Park, Los Angeles
A magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck a heavily populated section of Los Angeles County on Monday, shaking buildings and leaving residents rattled throughout the region. The quake, which struck around 12:20 p.m. at a depth of nearly six miles, had its epicenter located in Highland Park.
Fortunately, there were no reports of major damage or injuries. Shaking was felt across a wide area, extending from San Diego County to Simi Valley and reaching out to Victorville and Redlands, as indicated by a U.S. Geological Survey map.
Residents closest to the epicenter shared videos capturing the moment of the quake, which elicited screams and sent frightened pets scrambling. One Highland Park resident, Kyle Shearer, described the experience: “It was very, very scary. It’s not my first, but it’s probably the scariest I’ve had in a long time.”
Initially, the earthquake was registered as a 4.7 magnitude but was shortly downgraded. Christine Chandler, a professor at the Martha Fuerst School of Nursing in Glendale, described the quake as a violent shaking: “It was a jolt, 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.”
In response to the quake, the Los Angeles County and city fire departments activated earthquake mode to survey the region for damage, particularly to infrastructure. The Los Angeles city fire department concluded its survey at 1:15 p.m. with no findings of significant damage. However, some minor damage was reported in Pasadena, just a few miles from the epicenter.
A pipe at Pasadena City Hall broke, causing a stream of water to flow onto the sidewalk and prompting the evacuation of about 200 employees. Pasadena Fire Department Deputy Chief Anthony James reported that the water leak was the result of a broken sprinkler head in the city hall rotunda. Firefighters were able to shut off the pipeline, and there was also a report of one person temporarily trapped in an elevator, who was quickly rescued.
James, who felt the jolt while parked, shared, “It felt like the whole ground was going away from under me. I thought, what was that? And quickly figured it out.” The department quickly mobilized to survey the community for damage but found no major issues.
Understanding the Geological Context
Seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones provided insights on the faults in the area where the earthquake struck. She explained, “This area has a network of buried faults, so it’s not something that shows up on the surface. The same network was involved in the 1987 Whittier Narrows quake, but exactly whether it’s the same strand, because it’s complicated and at depth, we’ll never be able to say.”
In light of the recent quake, it is essential to consider the implications of such seismic events on community preparedness and infrastructure resilience. The experience of residents and the response of emergency services highlight the need for ongoing education about earthquake preparedness.
Future Trends in Earthquake Preparedness
As we analyze the recent earthquake and its impact, several trends and predictions for the future of earthquake preparedness and response emerge:
- Increased Community Engagement: Community preparedness drills and education about earthquake safety will likely become more prevalent, as residents become more aware of the need to be prepared for seismic events.
- Technological Advancements: The integration of technology in earthquake detection and response will likely improve. Innovations such as real-time data sharing and mobile alerts will become essential in keeping residents informed and safe.
- Infrastructure Resilience: Cities will likely invest more in infrastructure that can withstand seismic events, including retrofitting buildings and enhancing emergency response systems.
- Focus on Mental Health: The psychological impact of earthquakes on residents will be increasingly recognized, leading to the implementation of community support systems to help individuals cope with the stress and anxiety that such events can cause.
As we move forward, it is crucial for individuals, communities, and governments to prioritize earthquake preparedness and resilience. The recent quake serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of seismic events and the importance of being prepared.
A magnitude 4.4 earthquake that struck Monday near Highland Park sent pets scrambling.
Seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones breaks down the fault system involved in a 4.4-magnitude earthquake centered in Highland Park.
ABC7 has compiled a list of items that are important to have in your earthquake kit so that you’re prepared for “the big one.”
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