4.4 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Highland Park

A magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck Los Angeles County on August 12, 2024, at 12:20 p.m., with its epicenter located near Highland Park at a depth of about 7.5 miles. The quake was initially reported as a 4.6 magnitude by the USGS but was later downgraded. Despite the shaking being felt across a wide area from San Diego to Simi Valley, there were no reports of serious injuries or significant damage, although a water pipe at Pasadena City Hall broke, causing a temporary evacuation of employees. The Los Angeles Fire Department activated 'Earthquake Mode' to assess potential damage, finding no significant impacts on infrastructure. Residents shared their experiences on social media, highlighting the frightening nature of the tremor, while some public transport operations were briefly disrupted for safety checks. County officials expressed relief that the earthquake did not lead to major consequences for the region.