Emergency services responded to a call for help in Pasadena after the earthquake. MARIO ANZUONI (Portal)
California is rocked by concerns about Tropical Storm Hilary. A magnitude 5.1 earthquake has rattled the south of the state, the same region that has been on alert since Friday for the arrival of the weather phenomenon that will bring moderate and heavy rains to several counties. The quake’s epicenter was in the Sulphar Mountain region, seven kilometers southeast of Ojai and 130 kilometers northwest of downtown Los Angeles.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake struck around 2:21 p.m. local time and was felt in several communities in Ventura and north Los Angeles, particularly Oxnard and Camarillo. The USGS has determined that there were multiple aftershocks following the movement. The strongest of these had an intensity of 2.5.
According to Ventura City officials, there was no significant damage or casualties after the earthquake. Scott Thomsen, a spokesman for the county fire department, has confirmed to local press that several units are touring the county to assess possible damage to building structures. Some stores and businesses have told the Los Angeles Times that some of their products have fallen off the shelves.
Geologists have said the earthquake is unrelated to Tropical Storm Hillary, which will bring copious amounts of rain to southern California, the same region where tellurium movement was felt this afternoon. The earthquake resulted in residents of the state’s southern region receiving a warning on their cellphones to prepare to move and seek refuge. Hours earlier, cellphones had vibrated to warn residents of the upcoming rains from the tropical storm.
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