Earthquakes Rock Southern California
By Jamie Lee
Southern California is no stranger to the ground shaking. Earthquakes are as much a defining feature of the Golden State as its extensive beaches. However, the number of earthquakes in the last two months has left residents on edge.
Since Jan. 1, 2024, there have been 24 earthquakes with a magnitude of 3.0 or higher, according to the United States Geological Survey’s website.
The most recent quake occurred on Feb. 16 at approximately 11:30 p.m. in Ontario, California. The 3.6 magnitude quake was felt miles away in cities such as San Diego and Lancaster, as shown on the USGS website.
A cluster of 13 earthquakes occurred on Feb. 12 around El Centro, California. Each quake ranged from a magnitude of 2.5 to 4.8.
Southern California is dominated by two major fault lines, San Jacinto and San Andreas. These two faults converge near the Cajon Pass, where the 15 freeway passes through the San Gabriel Mountains.
While the San Jacinto fault is responsible for the cluster of earthquakes in El Centro, all eyes remain focused on the San Andreas fault.
The USGS writes that there is a 60% probability of a magnitude 6.7 or higher earthquake striking the Los Angeles area in the next 30 years. Los Angeles sits roughly 30 miles away from the San Andreas fault.
The Southern California Earthquake Data Center states that the San Andreas fault experiences a major rupture once every 20 to 300 years, with an average of 140 years. The last major rupture in the Southern California region was a 7.8 in 1857.
The ShakeOut Scenario, a 2008 report from the USGS, concludes that if another 7.8 magnitude quake hit Southern California there could be “about 1800 deaths and $213 billion of economic losses.”
These quakes have reminded residents of the volatile and unpredictable nature of the Southern California fault lines. Nevertheless, there are precautions everyone can take to be prepared for any emergency, such as building an emergency kit.
When putting together an emergency kit, the Federal Emergency Management Agency suggests stockpiling food, basic first-aid supplies and enough water to last for three days, among other essentials.
It is also important to be prepared for an earthquake-specific emergency. Ready.gov urges those in places with a high risk for quakes to ensure household items are secure and have a plan to find safety during and after the shaking.