Southern California was hit by an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.4 that affected mostly inland areas. The earthquake began on Wednesday at 6:42 a.m., with the center located at approximately two miles north of the city of Banning and 22 miles west-northwest of Palm Springs, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The depth of the earthquake's center reached one mile.
Posted by U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) on Wednesday, January 6, 2016
There were reported disturbances in other nearby areas such as Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and other cities, although there were no reported damages caused by the California earthquake.
"It just felt like a big rumble," Cesar Romero, a resident of the area, said, according to NBC Los Angeles. "Like something big falling."
USGS seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones tweeted that anything triggering San Andreas will be unlikely, saying, "We alway watch EQs near San Andreas closely, but because this area has a lot, the chance that anyone will trigger San Andreas is very low."
We always watch EQs near San Andreas closely, but because this area has a lot, the chance that anyone will trigger San Andreas is very low
— Dr. Lucy Jones (@DrLucyJones) January 6, 2016
Focal mechanism of M4.5 Banning EQ shows oblique thrust. Similar to the Banning fault pic.twitter.com/XVjh8NZ6Oy — Dr. Lucy Jones (@DrLucyJones) January 6, 2016
The earthquake that hit California was preceded by a 6.7 magnitude earthquake that hit India on Monday which killed four people and had over 100 casualties. There were also reported damages in buildings in India's Tamenglong Region where the epicenter was located, according to the Associated Press.
