Earthquake with 4.4 magnitude strikes Los Angeles and police warn of aftershocks | California

A magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck the Southern California area about three miles south of Pasadena on Monday afternoon, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

The quake, which struck the densely populated Highland Park area east of Los Angeles, was initially reported as a magnitude 4.6 but was later downgraded by the USGS and occurred just 7.5 miles (12.1 kilometers) below the surface.

Los Angeles police warned residents to prepare for aftershocks.

People reported feeling strong tremors throughout the Los Angeles area, with medical buildings shaking and residents reporting glasses and dishes swaying in many locations.

The quake was felt from the greater Los Angeles area as far south as San Diego and as far east as the desert region of Palm Springs, according to the USGS community reports page. A few reports were also received from the southern San Joaquin Valley, about 100 miles northwest of Los Angeles.

“After experiencing the Northridge earthquake [magnitude 6.7 in 1994]”Today’s shaking reminded us of the rules we know to protect our lives during an earthquake – crouch, duck, hold on – and it reminded all of us that we live in an earthquake-prone area and we need to be prepared,” Los Angeles County Supervisor Katherine Berger said.

Live broadcasts of sports and news programs showed commentators appearing shaken by the sudden tremors.

The quake came less than a week after a magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck Southern California and was widely felt in Los Angeles. There were no injuries or major damage from the quake.

The National Weather Service said a tsunami was not expected.

The quake struck the first day of classes in the Los Angeles Unified School District, and at least one school, including John Marshall High School in Los Feliz, evacuated its building to assess damage but warned parents that no damage was immediately visible.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.