In a noteworthy event on Wednesday evening, San Bernardino experienced the unsettling tremors of a preliminary 4.2-magnitude earthquake, as reported by the United States Geological Survey.
Shaking Ground: The Earthquake’s Impact
At precisely 7:43 p.m., the earthquake originated approximately 1.864 miles southwest of San Bernardino. Despite the proximity to a populated area, there were no immediate reports of injuries or structural damage. Dr. Allen Husker from CalTech’s Seismological Laboratory noted, “It was close to the surface but also in a populated region, so San Bernardino County has plenty of people so they’re going to feel it, definitely.”
Resonating Effects: Reports and Reactions
Residents beyond the epicenter, including areas like Burbank, Santa Fe Springs, Chino, Fontana, and more, reported feeling the seismic jolt. Timothy Key, who was capturing a video at the time, documented the intense moment when the earthquake shook his home.
“I just felt this shaking out of nowhere, and I’m like, ‘Oh, whoa, what’s going on?’” Key recounted. “I was still recording at the time … it was just chaos.”
Describing the experience, Key said, “It was like a jolt. It was like the whole house was about to collapse, like it was about to collapse on me. It was kind of scary but we knew it was an earthquake, so it was kind of like, ‘OK, let’s calm down.’”
Earthquake in San Bernardino: Beyond the Surface
The seismic event, though preliminary, had a notable impact on the community. The proximity to the surface and the dense population in San Bernardino County heightened the perceptibility of the earthquake. The aftermath was not limited to the epicenter, as reports of the shaking reached various surrounding areas.
A Resilient Response
Despite the initial shock and chaos, the residents displayed resilience in the face of the earthquake. No immediate harm or damage was reported, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in earthquake-prone regions.
In conclusion, the seismic episode in San Bernardino serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of natural events and underscores the significance of seismic awareness and readiness in communities.