Community Corner

5.1, 3.4 Magnitude Earthquakes Shake SoCal [PHOTOS]

A magnitude 5.1 earthquake, followed by a magnitude 3.4 quake, rolled through the Southland Friday night, felt in several cities across the region.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the first temblor struck at 9:09 p.m. PST.  The second, smaller quake then hit at 9:11 p.m., USGS data indicates.

The U.S.G.S. reports the largest quake was centered:

  • 2km (1mi) E of La Habra, California
  • 2km (1mi) WNW of Brea, California
  • 5km (3mi) SSW of Rowland Heights, California
  • 6km (4mi) N of Fullerton, California
  • 544km (338mi) W of Phoenix, Arizona
Another 3.6 magnitude earthquake was reported a short time later, at 9:30 p.m., the U.S.G.S. says.  All three quakes were centered very near each other, data indicates.

Prior to those three quakes, a 3.6 magnitude quake also hit nearby, according to the agency.  That one was reported at 8:03 p.m.

The 5.1 earthquake was felt in at least four Southern California counties -- Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and Ventura.

"I was home alone, and ran out of the house," said Hannah Hirzel in Placentia, just miles from the epicenter.  "I was sitting where my bookshelf fell, but I ran too quick."

The quake was initially reported by the U.S.G.S. as a 5.3 magnitude, but was downgraded a few minutes later.

Did YOU feel it??  Tell us in the comments, and be sure to say where you were located!



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