BREAKING NEWS Terrible earthquake hits California, this… See more

California, USA – A strong earthquake shook several areas of Southern California early Monday morning ,

alarming residents and highlighting the seismic vulnerability of this region of the country.

The quake, which the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said had a preliminary magnitude of 5.4 , was centered in an area where major tectonic plates meet , explaining its intensity and destructive potential.

Although no casualties or serious structural damage have been reported, several schools have suspended classes as a precaution, and emergency teams are inspecting key infrastructure such as bridges and hospitals.

An active seismic zone
The epicenter of the earthquake was located near the intersection of the Pacific and North American tectonic plates , specifically in the San Andreas fault system , one of the most studied and feared in the world. Read more below