L.A. Quake Rattles Sleeping Residents

Given the devastating earthquake activity this year in Haiti and Chile, we can only imagine that this morning’s quake in Los Angeles struck fear in the hearts of many Californians. Residents there have been bracing for the "Big One" for years. But the quake that hit around 4:04 a.m. this morning only registered as a 4.4 on the Richter scale, according to the US Geological Survey.

L.A. authorities say that while the quake roused sleeping residents, it didn't do much else: No lost power, no downed buildings and no injuries.

"All is calm in the city of Los Angeles," Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Steve Ruda told the Associated Press.

That’s great news for Californians, particularly given the state’s financial troubles.

USGS geophysicist Jessica Sigala told ABC News that the quake was just strong enough to knock books off shelves and maybe break some windows, but nothing else. She added that the area might see some aftershocks, but that they would likely be smaller than the first one. As for concerns that this morning’s quake could be a precursor to a bigger event, scientists said that’s not likely.

"There’s always a chance, but no, not realistically, no," John Bellini of the US Geological Survey told ABC News. "It’s just part of the day-to-day seismicity they get in Southern California. People should always be ready and have disaster plans in place, just in case."

Scientists have not yet determined which fault was responsible for the quake.

California’s last major quake was in 1994. The 6.7-magnitude quake killed 72 people and caused $20 billion worth of damage.

Photo by ricardodiaz11 via Flickr.