The bustling city of Los Angeles, California, experienced a series of tremors as a 5.5 magnitude earthquake shook the region, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

However, discrepancies emerged as the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) initially reported the quake as a 5.5 magnitude event, while the USGS recorded it as a 5.0 magnitude temblor. The seismic activity further escalated as the USGS revised the quake’s intensity to 5.1 magnitude, underscoring the complex nature of earthquake assessment.

Amidst the uncertainty, residents were reminded of the region’s vulnerability to seismic events, emphasizing the importance of preparedness.

Also Read: Seals gather along Monterey coast of California ahead of Hurricane Hilary | Watch video

A magnitude-5.1 earthquake originating in Ventura County sent shockwaves through parts of Southern California on a day marked by an extraordinary event: the region’s encounter with a long-awaited tropical storm, threatening substantial rainfall and potential flooding.

The earthquake, centered approximately four miles southeast of Ojai and about 80 miles northwest of Los Angeles, triggered noticeable tremors in multiple areas. Ventura, Camarillo, Oxnard, Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Santa Barbara, sections of LA’s San Fernando Valley, Malibu, Porter Ranch, Manhattan Beach, and more all reported experiencing shaking.

Security cameras at the Tres Hermanas restaurant in Ojai captured the unsettling scene, documenting the moment of impact with both visual and audible evidence of the quake’s force.

Despite the intense shaking, reports of significant damage were notably absent. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department conducted comprehensive aerial surveys of Lake Casitas Dam, Matilija Dam, and the city of Ojai, revealing no signs of harm.

In response to the seismic event, Los Angeles’ city fire department initiated its Earthquake Operation protocol, with all 106 neighborhood fire stations assessing potential damage.

Also Read: Hurricane Hilary raises ‘catastrophic’ flood warning in Southern California | Watch Videos

Seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones commented on the intriguing location of the earthquake, highlighting its unique occurrence. She noted that it was the first time a magnitude-5 earthquake had struck this precise location since 1932, particularly within the Ventura basin.

Previous instances, including a magnitude-5.1 earthquake in 1941 west of the recent event and some 1994 Northridge Earthquake aftershocks east of the site, further highlighted the region’s seismic complexity.