A magnitude-3.6 earthquake struck the Lake Elsinore community on Thursday, prompting city officials to complete an assessment that found no significant damage, aside from a 100-year-old vacant building in the downtown area.
The building sustained visible cracks on its exterior, prompting city officials to contact the owner to determine whether there was any internal damage. Crews from the Public Works Department conducted a damage survey, while first responders were on standby, according to Lake Elsinore Mayor Steve Manos.
“There was a strong bump and shaking that followed. It felt different than your normal earthquake,” Mayor Manos remarked.
The Southern California Earthquake Data Center notes that the Elsinore fault, stretching approximately 110 miles, is one of the largest but least active faults in Southern California. The last significant earthquake recorded in the region was a 6.0 in 1910.
Mayor Manos emphasized the importance of preparedness for natural disasters, stating, “It serves as a reminder for people to be prepared as you never know when you are going to have a natural disaster like this. Make sure you have food and a plan of attack for you and your loved ones and your pets.”
Initially measured at a magnitude of 3.9, the earthquake was later revised to 3.6.