4.4-magnitude quake rattles Los Angeles area, seismologists say. ‘That one was scary’
A 4.4-magnitude earthquake shook the Los Angeles area in California, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.
The 7-mile deep quake hit 2 miles from Highland Park at 12:20 p.m. Monday, Aug. 12, according to the USGS.
The quake burst a water pipe connected to a fire sprinkler in the rotunda of the Pasadena City Hall, KABC reported. Officials said the water has been shut off.
One person also briefly became stuck in an elevator at city hall, the station said.
More than 20,000 people from as far away as San Diego and San Bernardino immediately reported feeling the tremor to the agency.
“That earthquake signaled the official start of the 2028 LA Olympics!” wrote one person on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Omg that was the biggest earthquake of my life!!!” read another post.
“LA just had an earthquake, and in all my years, I think this was the longest, rolling one I’ve felt. Just kept going…,” wrote another person on X.
“Omg wow ok that one was scary,” read another post.
Highland Park is about a 5-mile drive northeast from downtown Los Angeles.
What to know about earthquakes
Magnitude measures the energy released at the source of the earthquake, the U.S. Geological Survey says. It replaces the old Richter scale.
Quakes between 2.5 and 5.4 magnitude are often felt but rarely cause much damage, according to Michigan Tech. Quakes below 2.5 magnitude are seldom felt by most people.
Earthquakes’ sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches. They can happen anywhere, but they’re most common in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico and Washington, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
If an earthquake strikes, it’s best to protect yourself right away. Here are tips from experts:
If you’re in a car: Pull over and stop. Set your parking brake.
If you’re in bed: Turn face-down and cover your head with a pillow.
If you’re outdoors: Stay away from buildings. Don’t go inside.
If you’re inside: Stay and don’t run outdoors. Stay away from doorways.
The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say.
“Wherever you are, drop down to your hands and knees and hold onto something sturdy,” officials say. “If you’re using a wheelchair or walker with a seat, make sure your wheels are locked and remain seated until the shaking stops.”
Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible. If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.
Once under a table, officials say you should hold on with one hand and be ready to move with it.
“There can be serious hazards after an earthquake, such as damage to the building, leaking gas and water lines, or downed power lines,” officials say. “Expect aftershocks to follow the main shock of an earthquake. Be ready to Drop, Cover, and Hold On if you feel an aftershock.”
This story was originally published August 12, 2024 at 3:43 PM with the headline "4.4-magnitude quake rattles Los Angeles area, seismologists say. ‘That one was scary’."