Magnitude-4.5 Earthquake Shakes Banning
BANNING (CBSLA.com) — A moderate earthquake struck near Banning early Wednesday morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
The earthquake had a preliminary magnitude of 4.8 and originated about 4 miles north-northwest of Banning in Riverside County at about 6:47 a.m.
The USGS later downgraded the quake to a magnitude 4.5.
Nearly 6,000 residents reported feeling the jolt eported feeling the quake within the first hour, according to the Earthquake Track website.
It was reportedly felt over a wide area, including Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Orange and Los Angeles counties.
In a series of tweets, seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones said that the earthquake happened in a system near the San Andreas fault with a history of moderate earthquakes.
Part of San Andreas near Banning so complex, we can't map the main fault at the surface. History of many M4s in the region
— Dr. Lucy Jones (@DrLucyJones) January 6, 2016
Previous M4.5+ EQs along Banning part of San Andreas in 1986, 1988, 1992, 2005. Largest was M5.9 North Palm Springs 7/8/1986
— Dr. Lucy Jones (@DrLucyJones) January 6, 2016
Focal mechanism of M4.5 Banning EQ shows oblique thrust. Similar to the Banning fault pic.twitter.com/XVjh8NZ6Oy
— Dr. Lucy Jones (@DrLucyJones) January 6, 2016
There were no reports of damage or injuries.
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