People gather at a parking lot outside their buildings after 6.9 earthquake hit the area in Tijuana, Mexico, Sunday, April 4, 2010. According to the US Geological Survey a 6.9 magnitude earthquake was registered 26 kms (around 16 miles) south west Guadalupe Victoria, in the Mexican state of Baja California. (AP Photo/Guillermo Arias)
LOS ANGELES — A strong earthquake south of the U.S.-Mexico border Sunday swayed high-rises in downtown Los Angeles and San Diego and was felt across Southern California and Arizona, knocking out power and breaking pipes in some areas but causing no major damage.
The 7.2-magnitude quake struck at 3:40 p.m. in Baja California, Mexico, about 19 miles southeast of Mexicali, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. It was initially reported as a magnitude-6.9 quake. The updated magnitude was still an estimate, according to USGS seismologist Lucy Jones.
The area was hit by magnitude-3.0 quakes all week.
"It's been quite a while since we've had an earthquake this large," Jones said. "The last time we had an earthquake this large in either Baja or California was in 1992 with the Landers Earthquake, which was 7.3."
The USGS reported three strong aftershocks within the hour, including a magnitude-5.1 jolt in the Imperial County desert east of San Diego. Magnitude-4.5 and magnitude-4.3 aftershocks were also reported.
The 7.2-magnitude quake was felt as far north as Santa Barbara, USGS seismologist Susan Potter said.
Strong shaking was reported in the Coachella Valley and Riverside. The earthquake rattled buildings on the west side of Los Angeles and in the San Fernando Valley, interrupting Easter dinners. Chandeliers swayed and wine jiggled in glasses.
In San Diego, there were reports of shattered windows, broken pipes and water main breaks in private buildings, but no reports of injuries, San Diego Fire-Rescue Department spokesman Maurice Luque said.
Coronado Bridge over San Diego Bay was briefly closed by the California Highway Patrol as a precaution.
Raed More..
No comments:
Post a Comment