Buildings sway as earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter Scale hits Los Angeles

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The quake, measuring about 5.4 on the Richter scale, was centered 29 miles from downtown LA, near Chino Hills, in San Bernardino County, at 6.40pm - late morning in the city. It was felt as far south as San Diego, 120 miles away.

Ten aftershocks, including three of a magnitude of 3.8, were recorded.

Scroll down for footage of the quake

Rupture: An earthquake measuring 5.4 hit Los Angeles earlier today

Aftermath: Rescue services quickly dealt with the situation

There were no immediate reports of damage or injury, rescue services said, but workers who felt the jolt evacuated some office buildings.

A spokesman for LA County sheriff, based at headquarters east of the city, said: 'It was dramatic. The whole building moved and it lasted for a while.' In Orange County, about 2,000 detectives were at a conference at a hotel in Anaheim.

Mike Willever said: 'First we heard the ceiling shaking, then the chandelier started to shake, then there was a sudden movement of the floor.'

The quake was about eight miles below the earth's surface, according to the U.S.Geological Survey.

A 1994 earthquake under Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley killed 72 people, injured more than 9,000 and caused £12billion in damage.

Waiting: Evacuees in the motor court of a garden-style office building in downtown Los Angeles await the all-clear