Amagnitude 4.4 earthquake struck the city of Los Angeles and the wider southern California region on August 13 afternoon, rattling nerves and swaying buildings, but with no major damage or injuries immediately reported.
The quake’s epicentre was in Highland Park, a populous neighbourhood in east Los Angeles located about six miles from the the city’s downtown, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).
Warning to residents
It was first reported as a magnitude 4.6 and later downgraded by the USGS. It was at a depth of just 7.5 miles (12.1km) below the surface. The Los Angeles police department warned residents to be prepared for aftershocks.
“There are currently no initial reports of structural damage or injuries,” said the Los Angeles fire department, which had gone into “earthquake mode”. People reported feeling strong shaking across the Los Angeles area. A medical building shook and residents said glasses and dishes rattled in many places.
The quake was felt from greater Los Angeles south to San Diego and east to the Palm Springs desert region, according to the USGS community reporting page. A small number of reports were filed from the southern San Joaquin Valley about 100 miles north-west of LA. Sports and news shows that were filming live showed commentators rattled by the sudden shaking. The ground swayed in Anaheim, where Disneyland is located in Orange County
