California Hit With 5.3 Magnitude Earthquake, Aftershocks

A moderate earthquake hit central California on Sunday, but authorities have assured that the tremor, which measured 5.3 on the Richter scale, did not cause any damage.

The earthquake took place in a coastal area of central California, and the US Geological Survey noted that almost 6,700 people reported feeling the earthquake on its website, according to Fox News.

The quake struck around midnight on Saturday near King City, which is about 90 miles southeast of San Jose. USGS geophysicist Don Blakeman stated that it occurred in a “seismically active area” near the San Andreas Fault.

At least four aftershocks over magnitude 2.5 followed the initial tremors. While Monterey and San Luis Obispo sheriff’s departments both stated they received calls from residents, there were no reports of damage, likely because the quake struck in a mostly rural area dominated by rolling hills and large ranches, notes Boston.com.

The moderate earthquake comes just a few days after 14 million people, including 9.3 million in California, ducked under tables and covered their heads as part of an annual earthquake drill called the “Great ShakeOut,” reports CBS News.

The drill is designed to help schools, offices, and other buildings prepare for what they would do in the case of a major earthquake. Along with Western and southern states, residents in Guam, Puerto Rico, parts of Canada, Italy, and also Virginia took part in the drill.

An earthquake that is magnitude five or higher is capable of causing damage, usually because of things being knocked off shelves. They are also capable of more severe damage like moderate cracks in walls and foundations.

The US Geological Service also noted that a minor earthquake with a magnitude of 3.5 struck about 15 miles east of Eureka, California. Eureka police stated that there were no reports of injuries or damage.

Blakeman added tha the two earthquakes in California on Sunday are not thought to be related.