4.4 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near South Pasadena, Rattles Los Angeles and Southern California
Los Angeles, CA — A significant earthquake rattled Southern California on Monday, August 12, 2024, as a 4.4 magnitude temblor struck near South Pasadena, sending shockwaves throughout Los Angeles County and beyond. The earthquake, which hit at approximately 12:20 p.m. local time, was initially reported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) as a magnitude 4.7, but it was later revised to 4.4. The epicenter was located roughly 2.5 miles southeast of Highland Park, a neighborhood in northeastern Los Angeles.
The earthquake was felt across a wide area, from San Diego County to Santa Barbara, and as far east as Riverside County. Many residents reported feeling a sharp jolt followed by a rolling sensation that lasted for several seconds. In Highland Park, where the quake’s epicenter was located, the shaking was intense enough to cause noticeable concern among locals.
Pasadena City Hall, situated close to the epicenter, experienced a burst water pipe, forcing the temporary evacuation of about 200 employees. Pasadena Fire Department Deputy Chief Anthony James reported that the water leak resulted from a broken sprinkler head in the building’s rotunda. Additionally, one person was temporarily trapped in an elevator inside the building but was quickly rescued by firefighters. No major injuries or structural damages were reported in the immediate aftermath of the quake.
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) swiftly activated “earthquake mode,” deploying crews from all 106 neighborhood fire stations to survey the city for potential damage to infrastructure, buildings, and other critical facilities. By 1:15 p.m., the LAFD had completed its inspections and reported no significant damage or injuries across the city.
Seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones of the California Institute of Technology (CalTech) provided crucial insights into the earthquake. According to Dr. Jones, the quake likely occurred on a shallow fault similar to the one responsible for the 1987 Whittier Narrows earthquake, which struck 12 miles east of Los Angeles with a magnitude of 5.9. The Whittier Narrows quake resulted in eight fatalities and substantial property damage.
Dr. Jones explained that the region where the quake struck features several faults that do not surface but instead stack on top of one another. These faults are part of a complex system that includes the Elysian Park and Puente Hills thrust faults, which were also implicated in the 1987 Whittier Narrows event. While it is not yet confirmed which specific fault ruptured during Monday’s earthquake, the quake’s characteristics suggest it is part of the same system.
In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, local authorities and agencies urged residents to prepare for possible aftershocks. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) issued a reminder on social media, advising residents to use 911 only for emergencies and to stay vigilant for aftershocks that could follow the initial quake.
Metro Los Angeles also took precautions, temporarily slowing down all train services to inspect tracks and infrastructure for potential damage. However, normal service resumed shortly after inspections revealed no issues.
The earthquake also interrupted live broadcasts, including ESPN’s “NBA Today,” where host Malika Andrews had to address the situation as the studio experienced shaking. The incident highlighted the unpredictability of earthquakes in the region and the importance of being prepared.
Monday’s earthquake follows a series of recent seismic events in Southern California. Less than a week earlier, a magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck north of Los Angeles County, sending tremors across a broad swath of the region. That event was followed by multiple aftershocks, with magnitudes ranging from 2.5 to 4.5. Additionally, a 4.9 magnitude quake struck near Barstow in late July, further underscoring the region’s seismic activity.
Seismologists caution that the possibility of aftershocks remains high in the hours and days following any significant earthquake. Residents are advised to have emergency plans in place and to be aware of the potential for additional shaking.