A magnitude 4.4 earthquake rattled Southern California on Monday afternoon, as reported by the United States Geological Survey.
The earthquake occurred at 12:20 p.m. at a depth exceeding 7 miles and lasted approximately five seconds. Its epicenter was identified by the USGS in Highland Park, a neighborhood in the northeast area of Los Angeles.
Although the initial magnitude of 4.6 was downgraded, the quake caused widespread shaking in Los Angeles County and surrounding areas, from the coast to the Inland Empire, according to the USGS intensity map.
USGS
The earthquake coincided with the first day of classes for the Los Angeles Unified School District, and the quake’s epicenter was in close proximity to an elementary school according to a USGS map.
No injuries were reported in the region, and there was no significant structural damage resulting from Monday’s earthquake, as confirmed by LAFD. California Governor Gavin Newsom stated that the Office of Emergency Services is collaborating with local authorities to evaluate any potential damage.
This earthquake comes shortly after a 5.2-magnitude earthquake near Bakersfield last week, which sent aftershocks towards Los Angeles County, including about 60 aftershocks up to 4.5 magnitude reported in the hour after the initial quake.
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