Magnitude 5.3 Earthquake Hits Southern California
A magnitude 5.3 earthquake rattled Southern California and was felt by cities over 90 miles away from the area. According to USA Today, the shaking happened on a Saturday morning and could be felt in an apartment building near Del Mar, California, which is situated approximately 95 miles from the location of the earthquake.
Deadline reported, citing the United States Geological Survey (USGS), that the 5.3 magnitude earthquake felt in Southern California was a part of a "flurry" of quakes in Imperial County.
READ NEXT: California Wildfire: 2 Arsonists Suspected in Raging Pacific Palisades Blaze
California Earthquake Rattles Southern Part of the State
USGS tweeted that the earthquake swarm started kicking at around one in the morning, and the highest intensity recorded so far was the 5.3 magnitude, which occurred around 10:55 in the morning. USGS also released data on the epicenter of the earthquake that occurred about 11 kilometers west of Calipatria, California, located in Imperial County.
Dr. Lucy Jones, a seismologist, noted that "quakes in Imperial Valley often come in swarms." The Seismologist added that the main fault in the shaking is the Northeast trending Westmoreland Fault. Jones furthered that as long as the fault stays active, earthquakes will continue to occur and some of them may be large.
Although earthquake clusters were not rare near this region, the strength of the shaking is considered moderate. Deadline pointed out that this group of shakes included at least 25 individual earthquakes, including the 5.3 magnitude shaker.
USGS added that the area affected expected little or no landslide, but it can still occur in highly susceptible areas, as well as earthquake liquefaction. It is also little or no exposure of a population to landslides and liquefaction.
USGS also noted that the last swarm that also happened near todays' earthquake, was in 2005. Furthermore, USGS highlighted that the entire region near the Salton Sea was known for having swarms; and two of them happened last Fall.
"The Imperial County Fire Department and Office of Emergency Service are currently monitoring and assessing recent earthquake activity in our region," said the department in a Twitter post. The Fire Department added that there were no reports of damages and injuries so far.
USGS utilized a tool called ShakeAlert through phone apps and Wireless Emergency alerts, to notify the residents who felt the tremors.
Earthquake Safety Tips
There are several tips people should bear in mind to be safe when an earthquake occurs. The United States Geological Survey gave different ways to stay safe whether indoors or outdoors during an earthquake.
When an earthquake happened indoors, getting under a table or desk will protect an individual against falling debris. Staying away from fireplaces, windows, and heavy furniture or appliances will also save someone's life in case shaking occurs. Rushing outside is also not a smart move when the tremors were felt indoors.
Now when outside and an earthquake like in Southern California occurred, going to an open area and staying away from buildings, powerlines, and anything that might collapse is a smart move. When driving, stopping the vehicle but safely putting it out of the traffic will be helpful.
READ MORE: Forest Ranger Discovers Garden Full Of Ancient Animal Fossils in California
WATCH: Did you feel it? | Series of earthquakes shake Southern California - from CBS 8 San Diego