On the afternoon of August 12, 2024, Southern California experienced a significant seismic event when a 4.4-magnitude earthquake struck near Los Angeles. The earthquake occurred at approximately 12:20 PM, with its epicenter located just two miles southeast of Highland Park, a neighborhood within Los Angeles. The tremor was initially recorded as a 4.7-magnitude quake but was later downgraded to 4.4 by the US Geological Survey (USGS).
The earthquake had a depth of about 7.5 miles (12.1 km) and was felt across a wide region, including areas such as East San Gabriel, Rosemead, Monterey Park, Long Beach, and other parts of Los Angeles. Despite the strength of the quake, there were no immediate reports of significant structural damage or injuries, though the shaking caused alarm among residents.
In response to the earthquake, the Los Angeles Fire Department quickly activated its "earthquake mode," a protocol involving an hour-long survey to assess the condition of critical infrastructure and areas of concern. Residents were advised to take safety precautions, such as protecting their heads and necks and taking cover under sturdy furniture or near interior walls away from windows and doorways until the shaking subsided.
The Los Angeles Police Department described the earthquake as "significant" and urged residents to prepare for potential aftershocks. California Governor Gavin Newsom also addressed the event, stating that state authorities were closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with local agencies to assess any potential damage. He encouraged Californians to utilize the ShakeAlert app for early earthquake warnings.
Seismologists noted that the quake's epicenter was remarkably close to another earthquake that had rattled the region on June 2, 2024. The frequent seismic activity in the area serves as a reminder of the constant geological shifts occurring beneath California.
As of now, the situation remains stable, with no severe damage reported. However, experts continue to monitor the region for aftershocks, which are a common occurrence following an earthquake of this magnitude.
Residents are advised to stay informed and follow any further instructions from local authorities as they continue to assess the aftermath of this event.
