The U.S. Geological Society reported over 50 aftershocks with a magnitude larger than 2.5 following a 5.2 magnitude earthquake near Lamont, California.
As of early Wednesday morning, no damage reports have been received from the earthquake and subsequent aftershocks. Parts of Kern County, California experienced strong shaking, with boulders being dislodged along highways in the area, according to the USGS.
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Weaker shaking was also felt as far south as Los Angeles, as reported by the agency.
Within minutes of the 5.2 magnitude earthquake, aftershocks measuring 4.5 and 4.1 were felt in the region. The USGS stated a 21% chance of another earthquake with a magnitude greater than 5 occurring within the next week. Additionally, there is a 2% chance of an earthquake exceeding magnitude 6 hitting the area within the same timeframe.
Tuesday’s earthquake was the strongest to hit California in 2024. The last earthquake of a similar strength occurred on May 12, 2023, with a magnitude 5.2 centered near Canyondam.
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The most powerful earthquake in California in 2024 prior to Tuesday’s event was a 4.9 magnitude quake near Barstow on July 29.
Tuesday’s earthquake occurred during a period of multiple forest fires in Southern California.
