Advertisement
Los Angeles ‘Big One’: when will major earthquake hit and are people ready?
- Southern California hit biggest earthquake in 20 years after strong quake a day earlier
- Quakes a powerful reminder of the realities of living on an active tectonic zone
Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
Two strong earthquakes that pierced years of seismic calm in southern California have revived fears of the “Big One” striking Los Angeles, with officials warning citizens to be prepared for further shocks.
A 7.1-magnitude quake that struck a remote region some 240km (150 miles) northeast of Los Angeles on Friday evening was felt throughout the city, prompting Angelenos to evacuate homes, bars, restaurants and cinemas.
The quake - which followed a 6.4-magnitude tremor the previous day - caused only minor damage in Los Angeles such as scattered power outages. It struck on a smaller fault line not directly linked to the major San Andreas fault.
Advertisement
But for many in the city, it served as a powerful reminder of the realities of living on an active tectonic zone.
“I was in shock because I realised I didn’t know exactly what to do,” said Cristina Alhamad, 29, mother to a one-month-old baby.
Advertisement
“I heard my neighbours running, screaming in the halls and I just froze because some said to stay in, others to stay out.”
Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x