As if a Category 1 tropical storm wasn’t enough, Southern California also experienced an earthquake at the same time. In short, the area is receiving natural disasters of a lifetime.
Tropical storm Hilary broke California’s 84-year-old record of no huge storms, and the region is suddenly doomed to experience flash floods, power outages, fallen trees, torn power lines, and much more. So, of course, adding to their pain is another disaster.
Did Ojai Have an Earthquake?
Yes, Ojai in Southern California experienced an Earthquake on Sunday noon at 2:41 pm. The quake was centered 4.34 miles southeast of Ojai with a 5.0 magnitude that later upgraded to 5.1. The earthquake rattled the larger South California region.
Several minor tremors were also felt around the same area ranging between 2.8 and 3.6 magnitude. The aftershocks continued till Sunday evening. According to the USGS, at least five more earthquakes hit the area between 9:48 pm and 10:30 pm.
The timing of the earthquake could not have been worse as Californians are already suffering from tropical storm Hilary.
How Bad was the Ojai Earthquake?
So far, there have been no reports of damage due to the earthquake. Damage caused by earthquakes usually doesn’t occur unless it reaches above 4 or 5 magnitudes. If the magnitude is within 2.5-5.4, it is felt by people but only causes minor damage. Thus the 5.1 earthquake did not seem to have bothered many people other than things falling off shelves and other inconveniences.
The Lost Angeles Fire Department has activated all 106 neighborhood stations to conduct surveys of the districts and have placed them on earthquake mode.
The biggest worry, however, is whether the Ojai earthquake is capable of creating a tsunami. With tropical storm, Hilary already inundating the Baja Peninsula region and leaving a trail of destruction behind, a tsunami will definitely wipe out the coastal area.
As a result of the simultaneous strikes, the word ‘Hurriquake’ is trending on social media sites to signify the hurricane and earthquake.
Thankfully, the United States National Tsunami Warning Center has stated that a tsunami is unlikely to be caused by the Ojai earthquake. The USG also stated that there was little to no potential for a landslide or liquefaction at the time.
An aerial survey of Lake Casitas Dam, Matilija Dam, and the city of Ojai has already been conducted by the USG, and no damage could be determined. Seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones explained that it is interesting to have an earthquake in the location as it is the first time to have a magnitude detection since 1932.
Are you living in an area affected by the earthquake? If so, tell us about your experience with the tremors in the comments below!
