A preliminary magnitude 4.4 earthquake hit Southern California on Monday afternoon, sending shockwaves that were felt across the region.
The quake, earlier reported as a magnitude 4.7, hit about 12:20 p.m. and was centered about 2.5 miles south, southeast of Highland Park near Chinatown, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
"Felt Report." The earthquake was at a depth of 7.5 miles, and hundreds across the greater Los Angeles area reported feeling shaking, according to the USGS.
From L.A.'s westside to the Inland Empire and beyond, people did report the temblor, according to KTLA viewers.
4.4 Magnitude Earthquake
A map showing shockwaves from the 4.4 magnitude earthquake that hit the Los Angeles area on Aug. 12, 2024. (USGS)
KTLA's Glen Walker reported the "whole building was shaking pretty good here in Hollywood." He said the station's engineering staff was inspecting the building and "checking things out."
The Los Angeles Fire Department went into "earthquake mode" after the shaking subsided. That means fire personnel from all of the 106 LAFD neighborhood stations will conduct a survey of their districts in search of damage to local infrastructure or "areas of local concern."
That process was expected to take about an hour, LAFD officials said.
Margaret Stewart of the LAFD told KTLA there had not been any "reports of extensive damage anywhere."
The National Weather Service said the U.S. Tsunami Warning System was not triggered and there was no threat of tsunami due to Monday's quake.
This is a developing story. Stay with KTLA 5 News for updates.
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Thousands of earthquakes are recorded in California each year, but the vast majority are extremely minor. Several hundred reach a magnitude of 3.0, and only about 15 to 20 are greater than magnitude 4.0, according to the USGS.
In North America, only Alaska records more quakes per year than California.
What to do in an earthquake
The most critical point, however, is to know what to do when shaking starts to protect oneself as much as possible and reduce injury. Details on protecting oneself can be obtained from the CDPH website. The following are the major issues:
Drop, Cover, and Hold On:
Drop: Drop down on your hands and knees immediately. The position will keep you from being knocked down or blown away and, if need be, low and crawling to safety.
Cover: Use your arm to protect your head and neck, and if possible, take shelter under a sturdy table or desk. If there is no shelter, crouch next to an interior wall away from windows. Stay on your knees with your body bent over to protect vital organs.
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