Powerful Earthquake Shakes Los Angeles Area

Magnitude 4.4 Quake Felt Over Wide Area

Residents Shaken, Buildings Evacuated

A powerful earthquake struck near Los Angeles, California, on Monday afternoon, shaking homes and startling residents for miles. The magnitude 4.4 quake, which was followed two minutes later by a 21-magnitude aftershock, was felt more than 100 miles away in Bakersfield, San Diego, and Joshua Tree.

The temblor happened at 1:20 p.m. local time and was centered in the El Sereno neighborhood of Los Angeles. The quake was felt over a wide area, including downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, and the San Fernando Valley.

The Los Angeles Fire Department reported that there were no immediate reports of major damage or injuries. However, several buildings were evacuated as a precaution, including the Los Angeles County Hall of Justice and the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.

The earthquake was a reminder of the potential for seismic activity in the Los Angeles area. The region is located on the San Andreas Fault, one of the most active seismic faults in the world.