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Seismologists at CalTech have sprung into action to begin work to determine precisely how big this afternoon's earthquake in Baja, California was, and to get information about its depth, epicenter, and faultline. As is always the case with seismic activity, there is a 5 % chance that there is a larger quake to come in the next 24 hours from the same fault line.
Initially reported as a 6.9 magnitude, the earthquake has been re-assigned a 7.2 preliminary "moment" magnitude; the number may be adjusted in the next couple of hours as the event receives further scrutiny from the USGS. The epicenter is about 19 miles southeast of Mexicali, which has experienced smaller quakes all week, including just ahead of the one that struck at 3:40 this afternoon.
As series of aftershocks has followed, of which "the largest was a 5.1 magnitude centered near El Centro, California," according to abc7. The LAFD has completed their earthquake mode check of the city's infrastructure, and there has been reports of damage or injury in Los Angeles. Local news stations are currently airing phone calls with LA-area residents sharing their earthquake experiences, however substantial reports from closer to the epicenter have not been broadcast. KPCC reports via Twitter: "Calexico city manager reports structural damage downtown, residential damage includes broken windows, power lines down, no power in city."
Today's earthquake is another excellent reminder for Angelenos to ensure they have an earthquake preparedness plan and supplies in place in the event of a more serious seismic event centered in the area. We've got some helpful tips and resources here.
