Earthquake!

[Sunbun]

Today, at 3:40pm PT near Mexicali, CA (close to the border between CA, AZ, and the Baja state), there was a 7.2 magnitude quake. Since then, there were many aftershocks, four of which were greater than 5.0.

I know we felt it up in Torrance (for us, it was a "gentle" swaying for 30 seconds), and I know that those in the San Diego and Phoenix areas did too. Was anyone else surprised by it?

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquak...ci14607652.php

[sanddrag]

In Pasadena, California, I was next to a pool and heard a "bluuump" sound like something fell in the water, then saw it sloshing more than wind could have ever made it. It was about to the edge on one end, and about a foot below the edge on the other end, going back and forth. Really weird, but didn't think much of it, since I didn't feel a thing. Learned about the quake later.

[KarenH]

Well, aren't we always surprised by earthquakes? Chris and I were also in Torrance at the time. My brother was with us, and at first I thought it might be him shaking his feet. But the motion kept getting stronger and stronger--rather alarming! It seemed like it kept going on and on, too. I guessed the shaking lasted maybe 2 minutes.

I know from experience that a gentle rolling motion that lasts a long time means bad news for people far away. In contrast, we've had a couple recent temblors that were centered almost within walking distance, and they were short, sharp jerks. It felt like we were on top of them.

So far, the damage reports seem relatively minor. Nevertheless, I'm hoping and praying that the people near the epicenter are OK.

[rsisk]

Felt it in Riverside. I'm surprised at how wide spread this earthquake was felt.

[Matt Howard]

I live in San Diego. It was a pretty good rock!