4.9 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Southern California

A magnitude 4.9 earthquake struck near Barstow, California, at 1 p.m. on Monday, with tremors felt across a wide area, including Los Angeles and Long Beach. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake occurred at a depth of 10 km (6.21 miles). Initial assessments indicate no significant damage or injuries, according to local officials, including Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. While the quake was initially reported as 5.1, subsequent evaluations confirmed it as 4.9, with some aftershocks recorded above magnitude 3.0. Seismologists noted that California experiences an average of 25 earthquakes of similar magnitudes annually. Residents are encouraged to report their experiences to the USGS and stay informed about earthquake preparedness.