A 4.2 magnitude earthquake hit the Southern California coast, about 10 miles away from Malibu, early Wednesday morning, followed by powerful aftershocks, said the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The earthquake struck around 2:00 a.m. PT with aftershocks hitting parts of Southern California, including Los Angeles, and stretching out as far as Santa Barbara County and San Diego.
The aftershocks were measured at a 3.6 magnitude at 2:03 a.m., a 2.8 magnitude at 2:22 a.m., and a 2.6 magnitude at 2:48 a.m. local time.
The natural disaster prompted the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) to activate its earthquake mode.
“All 106 neighborhood fire stations will conduct a strategic survey of their districts, examining all major areas of concern (transportation infrastructures, large places of assemblages, apartment buildings, power lines, etc). This survey will be conducted from the ground, air, and sea,” said Nicholas Prange, a spokesperson for the LAFD.
“Once this process is complete, and reports are consolidated, assuming there is no significant damage, Earthquake mode will be complete. This process typically takes less than one hour.”
Following the survey, the fire department said, “No damage or injuries were reported, and normal operational mode has resumed.”
Hundreds of earthquakes reportedly hit California each year, however, most are considered extremely minor.
Officials did not issue a tsunami warning following the latest earthquake and aftershocks.
