Mild Earthquake Off Seal Beach Hits Southland

A mild earthquake centered in the Pacific Ocean south of Seal Beach hit Southern California on Saturday afternoon, but no injuries or damage were immediately reported, officials said.

The offshore tremor, which had a magnitude of 3.4, struck at 3:46 p.m., said Robert Finn, a spokesman for the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena.

The epicenter was 4 miles south and slightly west of Seal Beach, Finn said.

‘Received a Few Calls

“We’ve received a few calls with people just inquiring,” said police dispatcher Beth Clarke.

She said about 15 people called to report they felt a jolting motion.

Clarke said the quake was felt by officers in the station. “It probably only lasted a couple of seconds,” she added.

The tremor was also felt by residents of Long Beach.

“We’ve received about half a dozen calls from the public reporting a quake,” said Long Beach police Officer Billy Quach.