A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck Southern California on the night of August 6, 2024, with the epicenter located near Lamont in Kern County. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the quake occurred at 9:09 p.m. local time and originated about 14 miles southwest of Lamont at a depth of 7 miles (11 kilometers).
The tremor was widely felt across the region, including in Los Angeles, which is about 90 miles from the epicenter. In the hours following the quake, over 50 aftershocks were recorded, ranging in magnitude from 2.5 to 4.5.
Despite the intensity, there were no immediate reports of serious injuries or major damage. However, a large boulder—roughly the size of an SUV—fell onto multiple lanes of Interstate 5 near the Grapevine, temporarily blocking traffic. Road crews managed to clear the obstruction by the following morning.
Seismologists noted that this is the most powerful quake to hit Southern California in the past three years. Interestingly, the earthquake did not occur on any of the region’s major known fault lines, although a similar event struck the area in the 1950s.
Residents received an alert from California’s ShakeAlert early warning system just seconds before the shaking began. Many praised the system for giving them enough time to brace for impact or find cover.
There was no tsunami warning issued, but emergency officials are monitoring the situation and advising residents to remain alert for potential aftershocks in the coming days.
Authorities emphasized the importance of having emergency kits ready and reviewing earthquake safety procedures as the region remains vulnerable to seismic activity.
