On a Wednesday night, San Bernardino and nearby areas felt a 4.2-magnitude earthquake. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) shared details about the quake, like where it happened, how deep it was, and its strength. This overview explains what exactly occurred during the earthquake, how people in the affected areas experienced it, and some information about the geological background.
About the Earthquake
At 7:43 p.m. local time, the earthquake hit, originating close to San Bernardino’s city center. The USGS told us it was 9.6 miles deep. Even though it was first thought to be a 4.5-magnitude quake, the USGS later said it was a bit smaller. The effects reached as far as Los Angeles and Orange counties.
What People Said
The USGS asked people to share their experiences using the “Did you feel it” tool. Some said it felt like a strong jolt, while others thought it was a mild shaking. Luckily, there were no reports of damage or injuries, according to the San Bernardino County Fire Department.
Understanding the Earthquake
This earthquake happened near the San Jacinto Fault, a well-known fault line in Southern California. This fault is active and has caused big earthquakes before, like the one in Hemet in 1918. Knowing this helps us understand what might happen in the future.
What Comes Next
Scientists warned that there might be more small earthquakes in the next few days. They also reminded people to be ready for emergencies. This is important because earthquakes can be unpredictable, and being prepared can help keep everyone safe.
To sum up, the 4.2-magnitude earthquake in San Bernardino is a reminder of the earthquake risks in Southern California. Even though it didn’t cause a lot of damage this time, being ready for earthquakes is crucial. Understanding how earthquakes work helps communities respond well and reduce the risks.