A magnitude 3.9 earthquake hit near Lake Elsinore early Thursday morning, again rattling Southern California. According to officials with the U.S. Geological Survey, the tremor struck around 9:30 AM and was followed by a smaller aftershock. There are no reports of either major injuries or other big damages except for minor damage to a building in a certain area of the city.
The jolt of the quake was felt throughout a wide area of Whittier, Pasadena, and Riverside to the north, all the way south to Menifee and parts of San Diego County, including Oceanside and Escondido.
Details of Earthquake
The epicenter was located near Lake Elsinore, a town known for its proximity to the Elsinore Fault, one of Southern California’s longest, largest, and least active faults. Approximately 110 miles long, this fault has not had any significant earthquake since a 6.0 magnitude one in 1910. A minute later, another quake registered 3.0 on the scale (aftershock). It does happen after a primary shake-up most of the time.
No immediate reports of significant damage and injuries had been received despite the shaking. Locally, officials surveyed the affected areas and discovered most structures were still intact. However, it should be noted that a 100-year-old building in downtown Lake Elsinore had exterior visible cracks, hence city officials decided to look into it further if there were any internal damages.
Most Recent Seismological Events
If you ask anyone who lives in Southern California will tell you that they have heard of this news. Just a few days before this earthquake, a tremor measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale rocked Bakersfield and was felt in various other places including Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Then there was another quake measuring 4.4 near Highland Park which was also experienced in various parts of that region. Despite the frequency with which these earthquakes occur, Californians should remember their vulnerability to seismicity, thus residents from areas prone to quakes should always be prepared with safety measures for any possible occurrence of an earthquake.
Community Efforts in Response and Preparedness
Local leaders highlighted community preparedness in the aftermath of the earthquake. Steve Manos, Mayor of Lake Elsinore stated that tremor was an important reminder to residents that it is necessary to have emergency plans. They should be able to access supplies like food and water and would be in a position to make arrangements for families and their pets to communicate during major earthquakes.
Residents are encouraged to use different means to update themselves on the earth tremors. For instance, there is a MyShake app for both iPhone and Android users that sends audio-visual alerts when earthquakes measuring at least 4.5 occur while governments post emergency alerts in case there are tremors with a strength of 5.0 or more so that people may be warned at the right time.
Safety measures in an earthquake:
During an earthquake, everyone needs to know how to safeguard their lives. Some of the recommended actions are:
Drop to the floor: This decreases the chance of being shaken off.
Cover your head and neck: Make sure that you cover your head and neck either with a heavy piece of furniture or with your arms and hands if there is no such entity.
Keep away from windows and heavy objects, Keep away from windows and heavy objects; glass as well as heavy items can shatter or fall during a quake thus posing a risk for injury.
Do not stand in doorways. Contrary to popular belief, where people believe that a doorway is a safe place during an earthquake. Instead, seek shelter under a strong table or desk.
Conclusion
The earthquake with a magnitude of 3.9 that occurred in Lake Elsinore should be a wake-up call for people living in Southern California on seismic risks. Recently, we have witnessed an increase in the frequency of tremors; hence individuals and families need to get prepared for possible future earthquakes. Staying updated, using available technology, as well as observing safety measures can make communities more resilient against natural disasters. As seismic activity continues within the area, local authorities stay alert always ensuring that they are well set to offer emergency service anytime it is needed.
