Magnitude 5.2 Earthquake Hits Near Bakersfield

Southern California experienced a magnitude 5.2 earthquake near Lamont on Tuesday evening, initially reported as 5.3 but later downgraded by the US Geological Survey (USGS). The quake, which struck around 9:09 PM PT, was felt across a broad area including Bakersfield and Los Angeles, but no significant damage or injuries were reported. The Los Angeles Fire Department and other local agencies conducted surveys to assess potential impacts. Several aftershocks followed, with magnitudes ranging from 2.5 to 4.5. Seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones noted that the quake was near but not caused by the White Wolf fault and warned of a 5% chance of a larger quake to follow. Residents were reminded of the importance of earthquake preparedness given California's seismic activity.