California 'dodges bullet' as 5.4 earthquake rocks region

LOS ANGELES (AFP) — A 5.4 magnitude earthquake shook Southern California on Tuesday, spooking millions from Los Angeles to San Diego in a juddering reminder of the region's vulnerability to seismic shocks.

No major injuries or damage were reported following the quake, which struck at 11:42 am (1842 GMT) near the town of Chino Hills, 33 miles (50 kilometers) east of Los Angeles at a depth of 7.6 miles (12 kilometers), the US Geological Survey said.

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Henry Renteria, the director of California's Office of Emergency Services, said he expected to receive reports of minor damage as the day progressed.

"But luckily, I think we dodged a bullet here, and have not seen any major issues with this event," Renteria told reporters.


While I am VERY glad that damage seems to be minimal for a quake of this magnitude (I do have family in that area), I still find it funny that Renteria chose that particular metaphor. After all, this happened in California.

"Help! even Mother Nature's shooting at us!"

(Actually, though... maybe she's just shooting back?)