LOS ANGELES, CA — A magnitude 4.5 earthquake epicentered in the San Gabriel Valley area shook the Los Angeles area Friday night at 11:38 p.m., according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
The quake’s epicenter was just southwest of El Monte. Shaking was reported as far south as San Diego with more intense shaking felt across Los Angeles, Ventura and Orange counties along with the Inland Empire. The quake occurred at a depth of nearly 11 miles. It was a sharp, jolting temblor. There are no reports of serious injury or significant infrastructure damage related to the earthquake, according to Brian Humphrey of the Los Angeles Fire Department.
According to seismologist Lucy Jones, the quake occurred in almost the same location as the magnitude deadly 5.9 Whittier Narrows earthquake in 1987 that caused more than $200 million in damage. The area has a very active fault line that runs through the center of Los Angeles and is capable of producing major quakes.
A pair of aftershocks, magnitudes 2.1 and 1.6, struck within 10 minutes of the quake, Jones said. She said there is only about a 5% chance of a stronger quake in the immediate future.
The Los Angeles Fire Department is warning residents to prepare now for aftershocks. The department asked residents to also check on at-risk neighbors, especially seniors living alone, and pets.
The department has crews assessing damage. Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Ralph Terrazas tweeted that the department « is in Earthquake Mode, with all 106 Neighborhood Fire Stations checking their areas for damage. »
« Though felt widely in the greater Los Angeles area, we are pleased to report there are no serious injuries, and no preliminary indication of significant infrastructure damage within the City of Los Angeles, » department spokesman Brian Humphrey said.
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« If Inside When Shaking Starts: DROP, COVER, HOLD ON! Protect Your Head + Neck While Taking Cover Under Sturdy Furniture or Near a Sturdy Interior Wall, Away From Windows and Doorways Until Shaking Stops, » the department warned.
There were no immediate reports of damage at Los Angeles International Airport, but crews are thoroughly checking the airfield and terminal, according to Los Angeles World Airports.