Quakes Shake LA, Kill 2 in Costa Rica

Flooding, landslides expected in 'extraordinary' weather

(NEWSER) - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared a state of emergency in much of southern California amid “extraordinary and continuing rainfall,” CNN reports. Another in a series of storms is expected to bring more flooding and landslides; the declaration authorizes state agencies to help local ones in addressing the weather. Many areas have already seen more than 10 inches of rain over five days. More»

(NEWSER) - A 4.7 magnitude earthquake rattled much of southern California last night and caused minor property damage, reports the Los Angeles Times. Windows were broken and items toppled off shelves when the temblor struck east of Los Angeles Airport. No injuries were reported. The 15-second shaker was deep, originating some 8.4 miles below the earth's surface, which "tends to make it less of a jerky, abrupt motion," said a seismologist for the US Geological Survey. More»

Scientists watch to see if tremors jump to San Andreas Fault

(NEWSER) - A 4.7-magnitude earthquake shook southern California this morning, the latest in a series of small quakes to hit the area. This weekend a series of lower-intensity quakes hit perilously close to the San Andreas fault, making seismologists nervous about the "Big One"—a quake that would devastate LA. So far no injuries have been reported. More»

Aftershocks begin in wake of magnitude 5.8 temblor

(AP) - A moderate earthquake shook Southern California at 11:42am local time today. The quake was felt from Los Angeles to San Diego, and slightly in Las Vegas, the AP reports. Preliminary information from the US Geological Survey estimated the quake at magnitude 5.8, centered 29 miles east-southeast of downtown Los Angeles, near Chino Hills. More»

Scientists warn state to plan for 7.5 mag temblor

(NEWSER) - A major earthquake is almost inevitable in California in the next 30 years, a new study says. The likely target is Southern California, which has a 97% chance of a 6.7 magnitude quake and 37% chance of a 7.5. Because it has suffered more big quakes in the last century, Northern California has a slightly lower chance of a 6.7 temblor and only 15% chance of a 7.5. More»