Earthquake rocks Los Angeles area

LOS ANGELES – A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was reported Friday morning near Los Angeles.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) says the quake was reported at 10:55 a.m. with the epicenter near Lytle Creek, a census-designated place in the San Gabriel Mountains near Rancho Cucamonga. The quake was initially reported as a 4.6-magnitude before it was downgraded to a 4.4, and then again to 4.1-magnitude. Shortly before 11:20 a.m., it was upgraded to a 4.2-magnitude.

According to officials, the earthquake occurred in the area where the San Andreas and the San Jacinto faults come together – an area that historically has experienced a lot of earthquakes.

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It was recorded at a depth of about five and a half miles.

There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. While there are many variables involved, geologists say damage does not usually occur until the earthquake magnitude reaches somewhere above 4 or 5.

Video posted on Facebook by Pedro Ernesto Moreira, shows his dog Coco waking up seconds before the earthquake hit. 

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Seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones said the location of Friday’s quake is “near Lytle Creek in Cajon Pass, where the San Andreas and San Jacinto faults come together. In 1970, there was a M5.2 with a M4.0 foreshock in close to the same location.”

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According to USGS’s “Did You Feel It?” map, the quake was felt by residents as far south as San Diego, more than 120 miles away from the epicenter.

USGS provides information about earthquakes by state and preparedness information, including helpful information for those in California.

While Dr. Jones said that the earthquake itself is not necessarily a cause for concern, she did say that Friday’s quake is a good opportunity to talk with your loved ones about your natural disaster preparedness plan. 

“It’s people helping each other that get us through the big disasters,” said Jones.