EARTHQUAKE ON THE GULF OF CALIFORNIA

A 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck in the Gulf of California approximately 75 miles northeast of San Isabel, Mexico, on 3 August 2009. The quake was preceded five minutes earlier by a 5.8 magnitude quake in the same area. It was also followed by two earthquakes measuring 5.0 and 5.9 on the Richter scale that occurred approximately 30 and 40 minutes later, respectively. The magnitude 5.9 tremor occurred in an area closer to the coast of the Baja Peninsula, approximately 70 mi/110 km north-northwest of San Isabel. The 6.9 magnitude quake was felt as far away as Phoenix, Los Angeles and San Diego, where high-rise office buildings reportedly shook; in San Diego, the city hall was evacuated. There were no reports of injuries or significant damage. The closest large population centre to the epicentre is Santa Isabel, where the quake was felt at a magnitude of less than 4.8.