A series of over 150 quakes, including a 4.5-magnitude, rattled the Brawley area of Imperial County on Saturday during an earthquake swarm.
The first quake reported by USGS — a 3.5 magnitude — struck nearly two miles west-south-west of Brawley, California, at 4:14 p.m., at a depth of just over eight and a half miles.
Then, the quakes continued intermittently over the span of several hours. They all ended up being foreshocks to a 4.5-magnitude earthquake that was recorded at 8:39 p.m. at a depth of just over nine miles, according to USGS. Other sizable quakes included a 4.4 at 8:03 p.m. and a 4.0 at 8:13 p.m.
At least 29 additional earthquakes were reported by USGS with magnitudes ranging between 2.5 and 4.5.
The United States Geological Survey has recorded at least 29 quakes over 2.5 magnitude, but well over 150 earthquakes total, including small ones, have been recorded on Saturday, according to the Caltech Seismological Laboratory
No injuries or damage were immediately reported.
“At this time, there are no reports of significant damage or threats to public safety. However, residents are encouraged to remain alert and prepared, as aftershocks may occur,” the city wrote.
Dr. Lucy Jones says earthquake swarms are typical for that area, and more quakes are likely to be reported.
After that, several aftershocks continued late into the night
“I was just scared. All of a sudden, it was a big jolt, and everything started moving. I was like, ‘Holy crud.’ They just kept on coming and coming and coming and coming. And as we’re speaking right now, I do feel it rumbling beneath me.” Kathleen Singh said.
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