A magnitude 3.5 earthquake shook the Los Angeles area on Saturday morning, causing some minor damage and power outages. The quake was centered near the city of El Monte, about 15 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.
The quake struck at 11:45 a.m. local time and was felt throughout the greater Los Angeles area, including Orange County, the San Fernando Valley, and the Santa Monica Mountains. The shaking lasted for about 15 seconds and was strong enough to knock down objects from shelves and disrupt power lines.
There were no reports of any major injuries or structural damage, but several businesses and homes reported minor damage, such as broken windows and cracked walls. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to several calls for service, including a small fire that was quickly extinguished.
The quake was the largest to hit the Los Angeles area since a magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck in 2019. It was also the strongest earthquake to hit the region since the 1987 Whittier Narrows earthquake, which had a magnitude of 5.9.
The epicenter of Saturday's quake was located near the Whittier Fault, a major seismic fault that runs through the Los Angeles Basin. The Whittier Fault is considered to be one of the most active faults in Southern California and is capable of producing a major earthquake.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said that the quake was likely an aftershock of the 1987 Whittier Narrows earthquake. Aftershocks are common after large earthquakes and can last for years or even decades.
The USGS said that there is a small chance that Saturday's quake could trigger a larger earthquake on the Whittier Fault. However, the agency said that the risk of a major earthquake in the near future is low.
Residents of the Los Angeles area are advised to be prepared for the possibility of future earthquakes. This includes having a plan in place, assembling an emergency kit, and knowing what to do if an earthquake strikes.
The California Earthquake Clearinghouse has a wealth of information on earthquake preparedness, including tips on how to make your home more earthquake-resistant and what to do in the event of an earthquake.
Here are some tips for earthquake preparedness:
* **Have a plan in place.** Know what to do if an earthquake strikes, including where to go and how to contact family members.
* **Assemble an emergency kit.** Your kit should include food, water, first-aid supplies, a flashlight, a radio, and a whistle.
* **Know what to do if an earthquake strikes.** If you are indoors, stay inside and take cover under a sturdy table or desk. If you are outdoors, move away from buildings and power lines.
By following these tips, you can help to reduce your risk of injury or damage in the event of an earthquake.
