Moderate quake hits Los Angeles

May 18, 2009|Associated Press

LOS ANGELES - A moderate earthquake rocked the Los Angeles region last night, but there were no immediate reports of any major injuries or damage.

The magnitude-4.7 quake hit at 8:39 p.m., about 10 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles, near Inglewood, according to a preliminary report by the US Geological Survey. At least two aftershocks shook the area minutes later.

The quake shook the greater Los Angeles region and was felt as far south as San Diego, said USGS seismologist Susan Hough.

"This was a serious jolt. It was probably felt within 100 miles," Hough said.

The shaking was most intense in the coastal communities south of the Los Angeles International Airport. Residents said books and other items were knocked off shelves. There were no reports of any damage at the airport.

It was the largest quake in the greater Los Angeles area since a magnitude-5.4 quake struck Chino Hills July 29, 2008.