A 5.1-magnitude earthquake shook buildings in Los Angeles on Monday, the US Geological Survey and witnesses said although there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.
The epicentre of the quake was located some 19 km southeast of Anza, California, which lies southeast of Los Angeles, and was felt in San Diego, which is a two hours’ drive from LA.
The quake shook buildings including one housing AFP’s offices in Hollywood, northwest of downtown LA. But there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries, according to the LA Times and other local media.
Los Angeles is on the so-called “Ring of Fire,” which circles the Pacific and has produced a number of devastating earthquakes, including Japan’s March 2011 quake and tsunami, which killed thousands of people.
California is arguably overdue for the “Big One”. While major quakes in recent years have shaken Japan, Indonesia, Chile, New Zealand and Mexico, the US West Coast has been spared.