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St. Patrick's Day Quake Shakes up So. California

CBN

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A 4.4 earthquake struck Pasadena, Calif., on Monday, shaking up residents and buildings across the region.

It surprised scientists when they found the epicenter was actually in the Santa Monica Mountains. It's the only quake of that magnitude recorded there.

An early warning system alerted the team two seconds before the shaking began, but that wasn't enough time to adequately prepare the public.

A local station's video of their anchors diving under their desk when the quake hit went viral in 24 hours.

Scientists warn that if a 9.0 magnitude earthquake were to hit California's northern coast, it would have a catastrophic ripple effect.

According to the Los Angeles Times, experts say a giant tsunami would wash away coastal towns and cause $70 billion in damage over a large part of the Pacific coast.

People in the lightly populated region would only have about 15 minutes warning if that happened.

Officials say St. Patrick's Day tremor should serve as a warning for people to be prepared with emergency kits and a safety plan in case a larger quake hits.

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