In a surprising start to the New Year, a 4.1 magnitude earthquake struck Los Angeles today, originating just off the coast of Palos Verdes at 8:27 AM PT.
Although the epicenter was offshore, residents in Hollywood and Pasadena reported feeling the tremors.
This seismic event comes in the wake of recent wild natural occurrences in Southern California, including massive waves breaching a seawall in Ventura last week. The incident resulted in eight injuries and prompted dozens to evacuate the area.
While it remains unclear if the New Year’s quake caused any significant damage, it pales in comparison to the devastating earthquakes experienced by Japan on New Year’s Eve.
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The island nation endured three powerful and successive quakes, with the largest registering at a magnitude of 7.6.
Japan faced widespread infrastructure damage, including roads and bridges, with the government swiftly issuing tsunami warnings.
More than 97,000 people were forced to evacuate, according to Reuters, as the nation grapples with the aftermath of these powerful seismic events.
As residents in Los Angeles assess the impact of the 4.1 magnitude earthquake, parallels are drawn to the global pattern of heightened natural events, signaling a turbulent start to the year for regions prone to geological activity.