Brief 2.9 magnitude earthquake rattles Pasadena area

A mild tremor was felt in northeast Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley Thursday afternoon, after a preliminary 2.9 magnitude earthquake struck near Pasadena.

The earthquake hit around 4:04 p.m. less than two miles southwest of Pasadena near Alhambra, at a depth of about 6.4 miles, according to the United States Geological Survey.

Multiple people told KTLA that they experienced the temblor, which caused rattling closet doors and could’ve easily been confused for a large truck or a heavy-footed neighbor.

If you felt any shaking from Thursday’s earthquake, you can submit a “Felt It” report with the USGS.

For the most recent earthquakes in our area, click here.

Thousands of earthquakes are recorded in California annually, but the vast majority are incredibly minor. Several hundred reach a magnitude of 3.0, and only about 15 to 20 reach a magnitude of 4.0 or greater, according to the USGS.   

In North America, only Alaska records more quakes per year than California. 

What to do in an earthquake

During an earthquake, it’s crucial to know the proper steps to protect yourself and minimize injury. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) provides detailed guidelines on what to do during such events. Here are the key points:

Drop, Cover, and Hold On:

Drop: Immediately drop down onto your hands and knees. This position prevents you from being knocked over and allows you to stay low and crawl to safety if necessary.

Cover: Use one arm to protect your head and neck, and if possible, take shelter under a sturdy table or desk. If no shelter is available, get down next to an interior wall away from windows. Stay on your knees and bend over to protect vital organs.

Hold On: Hold on to your shelter until the shaking stops. Be prepared to move with your shelter if it shifts.

A mild tremor was felt in northeast Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley Thursday afternoon, after a preliminary 2.9 magnitude earthquake struck near Pasadena. The earthquake hit around 4:04 p.m. less than two miles southwest of Pasadena near Alhambra, at a depth of about 6.4 miles, according to the United States Geological Survey. Multiple […]