A 4.4-magnitude earthquake shook the Los Angeles area in California, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
The quake, which was 7 miles deep, struck 2 miles from Highland Park at 12:20 p.m. on Monday, August 12, the USGS reported.
The earthquake caused a water pipe connected to a fire sprinkler in Pasadena City Hall’s rotunda to burst, according to KABC. The water was quickly shut off by officials.
Additionally, one person got briefly stuck in an elevator at city hall, the station reported.
Over 20,000 people, some as far away as San Diego and San Bernardino, reported feeling the tremor.
“That earthquake signaled the official start of the 2028 LA Olympics!” one person joked on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Omg, that was the biggest earthquake of my life!!!” another user posted.
“LA just had an earthquake, and I think this was the longest, rolling one I’ve felt. It just kept going…” another person wrote on X.
“Wow, that one was scary,” another post read.
Highland Park is located about 5 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles.
Understanding Earthquakes
Earthquake magnitude measures the energy released at the source, according to the USGS. This measurement has replaced the old Richter scale.
Quakes with magnitudes between 2.5 and 5.4 are often felt but rarely cause significant damage, Michigan Tech says. Quakes below 2.5 magnitude are usually not felt by most people.
The sudden shaking during an earthquake can lead to fires, tsunamis, landslides, or avalanches. Earthquakes can occur anywhere, but they are most common in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico, and Washington, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
What to Do During an Earthquake
If an earthquake happens, experts advise taking immediate action to protect yourself:
- In a car: Pull over and stop. Set your parking brake.
- In bed: Turn face-down and cover your head with a pillow.
- Outdoors: Stay away from buildings. Don’t go inside.
- Indoors: Stay where you are. Avoid doorways.
The safest way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover, and hold on, officials say.
“Wherever you are, drop down to your hands and knees and hold onto something sturdy,” they recommend. If you’re using a wheelchair or walker with a seat, lock the wheels and remain seated until the shaking stops.
Cover your head and neck with your arms, and if possible, crawl under a sturdy table. If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.
Once under a table, hold on with one hand and be ready to move with it.
“After an earthquake, be aware of potential hazards like building damage, leaking gas or water lines, and downed power lines,” officials say. “Expect aftershocks, and be ready to Drop, Cover, and Hold On if you feel one.”