Earthquakes Jolt Southern California, Centered In Lake Elsinore

On Thursday, August 15, 2024, at 9:39 a.m., a magnitude 3.6 earthquake struck the Lake Elsinore area. One minute later, a second earthquake with a magnitude of 3.0 followed. The jolts were felt across Southern California, but there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

The quakes occurred near the Elsinore Fault Zone, which is part of the San Andreas fault system. It is one of the largest faults in Southern California. The earthquakes follow a magnitude 4.4 temblor that hit near Highland Park in Los Angeles on Monday, August 12.

The USGS initially estimated the Highland Park earthquake to be a magnitude 4.6, but later downgraded it to a 4.4. The recent string of earthquakes in Southern California has raised concerns that a larger earthquake may be imminent.

The Elsinore Fault Zone is a complex system of faults that extends from the San Jacinto Fault Zone in the north to the San Andreas Fault Zone in the south. The fault zone is capable of producing earthquakes of magnitude 7.0 or greater.

The 1918 San Jacinto earthquake, which had a magnitude of 6.8, was the largest earthquake to occur on the Elsinore Fault Zone in recent history. The earthquake caused widespread damage in the San Jacinto Valley and killed at least 10 people.

The recent earthquakes in Southern California are a reminder that the region is at risk for large earthquakes. Residents should be prepared for the possibility of an earthquake and know what to do if one occurs.

Here are some tips for earthquake preparedness:

• Have an earthquake plan in place and practice it with your family.
• Secure heavy objects in your home, such as bookcases and appliances.
• Stock up on food, water, and other emergency supplies.
• Be aware of the earthquake hazards in your area and know where to go for safety.
• If an earthquake occurs, drop to the ground, cover your head and neck, and hold on until the shaking stops.