Los Angeles was shaken by a Magnitude 3.2 Earthquake at a depth of 12.8 km, slightly to the north of Los Angeles International Airport, slightly after 7.50 pm on Friday 26 April 2013 local time (slightly after 2.50 am on Saturday 27 April, GMT), according to the United States Geological Survey. The quake is not reported to have caused any damage or injuries, but was reportedly felt across much of the city.
The location of the 26 April Earthquake. Google Maps.
Los Angeles is located to the south of the San Andreas Fault, which separates the Pacific and North American Plates. The Pacific Plate, upon which Los Angeles sits, is moving northwest relative to the North American Plate. This is not a smooth process, with the plates constantly sticking together then breaking apart as the pressure builds up, causing Earthquakes in the process. Most of these quakes are are essentially harmless, Los Angeles is well prepared for such events and the majority of its buildings are built to be quake-resistant, but occasionally larger quakes do cause damage and casualties.
Witness reports can be useful to geologists studying Earthquakes and the processes that cause them. If you felt this quake (or were in the area and did not, which is also useful information) then you can report it to the United States Geological Survey here.
See also Magnitude 6.3 Earthquake off the coast of Baja California, Central California shaken by Earthquake, Earthquake in the Gulf of California, Earthquake swarm strikes southern California and Earthquakes on Sciency Thoughts YouTube.
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