Being an ex-San Diegan myself I am always on the lookout for news pertaining to my old stomping grounds; especially news of earthquakes! Tonight an earthquake has once again rocked Southern California, shaking the Los Angeles area and causing a brief moment of silence at the Toronto Blue Jays-San Diego Padres baseball game in San Diego.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake measured 5.7 on the richter scale and was centered five miles southeast of Ocotillo near the U.S./Mexico border. It hit Monday at approximately 9:30 PM PST, and was initially reported as a magnitude 5.9.
There have already been several aftershocks, each measuring between 3.2 and 3.9, and more are expected to follow over the next few days. In fact, geologists often warn that aftershocks can even be stronger than the initial quake.
The quake was felt as a gentle rolling motion from Los Angeles to Long Beach and throughout Orange County. San Diego's Petco Park swayed during the earthquake, and the public address announcer asked that everyone at the ball game remain calm. The crowd, far from fear, actually cheered the quake.
David Eckstein of the Padres had just grounded out in the bottom of the inning when the stadium began shaking. The next batter, Chase Headley, stayed out of the batter's box, but only for a few seconds, then stepped in.
Becky Strahm, San Diego Sheriff's dispatch supervisor, said some of her colleagues reported things falling off their shelves, but across the area there were no immediate reports of significant damage or injury.
Over the last few days, and for the last several months, quakes have rattled much of Southern California ranging from the desert areas east of San Diego, and the Easter day quake in Baja California. Residents in downtown San Diego could feel the ground rumbling during at least one of this last weekend's quakes.
We will continue to watch the reports but so far there are no immediate reports of damage or injuries from Monday night's earthquake.
Continue to watch this blog as we update the latest quake news and reports.
