5.2 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Southern California, Followed by Dozens of Aftershocks

A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck near Bakersfield, California, shaking residents of Los Angeles County, CBS News reports.

The quake, which occurred at approximately 9:09 p.m. local time, was centered about 14.29 miles southwest of Lamont, a rural area bordering Bakersfield.

The Los Angeles Fire Department immediately deployed helicopters to assess potential damage, with Mayor Karen Bass assuring residents that city teams were monitoring the situation. Fortunately, no significant damage or injuries were reported within Los Angeles City limits.

Geologists have assessed that the area has a low risk of landslides or liquefaction.

Following the initial quake, over two dozen aftershocks rattled the region, with magnitudes ranging from 2.5 to 4.5. The aftershocks were concentrated near Lamont and Grapevine, with about 25% occurring within the first hour after the main event.

The USGS recorded three aftershocks above magnitude 4.0, while the majority (about 15) were below magnitude 3.0. Additionally, nine earthquakes between 3.0 and 3.8 magnitude struck shortly after the initial quake.

Seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones noted the high frequency of aftershocks in such a short time, adding that the likelihood of the initial quake being a foreshock to a larger event decreases over time.