Magnitude-5.1 Earthquake Hits Los Angeles Area: Tremors Felt As Far As San Diego, No Major Damage Reported

Los Angeles was the epicenter of a magnitude-5.1 earthquake. The U.S. Geological Survey reports the earthquake, which occurred at 9:09 p.m. local time on Friday, was centered one mile east of La Habra, Calif., and could be felt throughout the Orange, Los Angeles, Venture, Riverside and San Bernadino counties.

Two foreshocks occurred, the first, a magnitude-3.6 shock, occurred at 8:03 p.m., and a few minutes later a magnitude-2.1 shock occurred, notes the USGS. The Los Angeles Times reports that more than 100 aftershocks were felt throughout the night but officials believe the damage caused by the earthquake was minor, mostly reports of shattered windows and displaced items around the epicenter of La Habra. The earthquake did cause a rock slide, leading to two minor injuries when a car was overturned. A water main break in Fullerton County was also reported following the earthquake.

Officials are inspecting bridges, rail systems and other buildings for structural damage, reports Associated Press. Some gas leaks were reported and Southern California Edison said on Twitter approximately 2,000 customers were without power. As a precautionary measure, Disneyland shut down its rides.

The earthquake was felt during the preseason game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Dodgers Stadium. During the bottom of the sixth inning, with the Dodgers at bat, broadcaster Vin Scully calmly announced the news, saying, "A little tremor here in the ballpark. I'm not sure if the folks felt it but we certainly felt it in press box row. A tremor and only that, thank goodness."

The USGS believes the earthquake occured on the Puente Hills thrust and was responsible for the 1987 magnitude-5.9 Whittier Narrows earthquake. As noted by the LA Times, the Puente Hills thrust fault extends through the city of Los Angeles.