A 4.4 magnitude earthquake struck the Los Angeles area on Monday afternoon, causing significant shaking and surprising residents across the region. The earthquake’s epicenter was located near Highland Park, close to notable landmarks like the Hollywood sign and Griffith Observatory, at approximately 12:20 PM PDT.
The tremor was felt in surrounding cities such as Pasadena and Glendale and extended to the coast, reaching areas like Manhattan Beach and El Segundo. Fortunately, there were no tsunami warnings issued following the quake.
State officials monitored the aftermath for any damage or injuries, and reports indicated no significant issues. The Los Angeles Fire Department mobilized teams from its 106 fire stations to conduct thorough assessments of the Greater Los Angeles area, ultimately confirming no structural damage or injuries.
However, local reports mentioned a broken water main in South Pasadena, which may have been caused by the earthquake. The quake occurred during live broadcasts, including an ESPN segment where reporter Malika Andrews was on air with basketball analyst Rebecca Lobo when the shaking started. Andrews acknowledged the earthquake while ensuring the safety of their equipment and crew.
In another live ESPN podcast, host Travis Rodgers and his team responded in real time as one member ducked under a table, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation. The earthquake was initially measured at a 4.7 magnitude but was later adjusted to 4.4 by the US Geological Survey.
The region has experienced numerous earthquakes of similar magnitudes recently, with notable tremors recorded in Grapevine and Bakersfield just last week.