4.6 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES — A 4.4 magnitude earthquake struck Southern California on Monday afternoon, with tremors felt from Los Angeles to San Diego. The quake, centered near Highland Park, approximately 6.5 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles and 7.5 miles underground, rattled buildings, set off car alarms, and disrupted live broadcasts, including an ESPN interview. Fortunately, no significant injuries or damage were reported in the immediate aftermath. Reports of the quake extended as far as the southern San Joaquin Valley, about 100 miles northwest of Los Angeles. In Pasadena, the quake caused a water leak from the upper floors of City Hall, prompting the evacuation of around 200 employees. One individual was rescued from an elevator, but overall, the response was swift and effective, with officials confirming no major structural damage. The earthquake served as a stark reminder of California's seismic activity, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in a state that sits atop numerous active fault lines. The National Weather Service confirmed that no tsunami was expected following the quake, and the US Geological Survey later revised the initial magnitude estimate from 4.6 to 4.4. The timing of the quake coincided with the first school day for the Los Angeles Unified School District, leading to precautionary evacuations at some schools, including John Marshall High School in Los Feliz. However, officials reported no injuries or significant damage in educational facilities.