In the afternoon of May 1, 2024, a 4.1-magnitude earthquake shook the ground beneath Orange County and Riverside County, sending mild tremors throughout Southern California. The epicenter of the quake was located just a few miles southwest of Corona, nestled in the Santa Ana Mountains near the border of the two counties.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake struck at approximately 1:49 p.m. local time, with an initial estimate of 4.1 on the Richter scale. Despite the initial report suggesting a 4.5 magnitude, the USGS later confirmed the quake's magnitude to be 4.1.
Residents across the region reported feeling the earth move beneath their feet. The shaking was felt in areas as far north as Santa Clarita, west to Simi Valley, east to Temecula, and south to Encinitas. The Los Angeles Fire Department briefly went into "earthquake mode," surveying the area for potential damage, but fortunately, no significant harm was reported.
Although a 4.1-magnitude earthquake is not typically associated with severe damage, it can still cause minor structural issues and be felt by a wide area. In this case, the quake was part of a recent sequence of small earthquakes in the same area, with magnitudes ranging from 2.5 to 2.8 earlier in the week.
Earthquakes of this size are relatively common in California, with an average of 25 quakes per year between magnitudes 4.0 and 5.0, according to a recent three-year data sample. Experts suggest that the state's complex and active fault system is responsible for the frequent seismic activity.
Despite the lack of significant damage, the earthquake serves as a reminder to residents and visitors of Southern California to be prepared for seismic events. As a seismically active region, it's essential to have an emergency plan, a well-stocked earthquake kit, and to know how to stay safe during and after a quake.
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