Earthquake Shakes Southern California: What You Need to Know

What Happened?

Imagine the ground suddenly deciding to do a little dance! A 4.3-magnitude earthquake (that’s a number scientists use to measure how strong the shaking is) happened near a town called Johannesburg in Kern County, California. This area is just north of Edwards Air Force Base.

The folks at the U.S. Geological Survey (or USGS for short—they are like the official Earth watchdogs who keep track of quakes) told us about it.

When and How Did It Unfold?

Here is the simple, step-by-step timeline of the event:

1. Around 9:40 a.m. on Monday (July 13, 2026), the ground shook near Johannesburg.
2. The USGS measured the shake and said it was a 4.3-magnitude quake.
3. People living far away felt it and told Eyewitness News (ABC7) they noticed the movement.
4. By 5:10 p.m. that same Monday, KABC (ABC7) published this news story to let everyone know.

Where Was It Felt?

Even though the quake started up in Kern County, people felt it far away!

• Viewers of Eyewitness News reported feeling the ground move across Los Angeles County.
• Some specific spots they mentioned were Burbank and Hollywood.

Important Point: Right after the quake, no one reported getting hurt (no injuries), and no one said their houses or buildings were broken (no damage). That’s the good news!

Are You Prepared for "The Big One"?

"The Big One" is a nickname grown-ups use for a really, really big earthquake that scientists say could happen someday in California.

ABC7 wants to help you stay safe! They put together a special list of things you should keep in an earthquake kit (a box of emergency supplies). Having these items ready means you’ll be prepared if a bigger shake comes along. They even made a video showing what to pack!

Important Point: This is a "developing story." That means it’s like a book that hasn’t finished being written yet. The article will keep getting updated as news reporters learn more.

Summary

A 4.3-magnitude earthquake hit near Johannesburg in Kern County, California, around 9:40 a.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026. The USGS confirmed the event, and people felt it as far away as Los Angeles County (including Burbank and Hollywood). Luckily, there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage. ABC7 reminds everyone to prepare an earthquake kit for future big quakes, and they will keep updating this story as more info comes in.

FAQ

1. What does "4.3-magnitude" mean in simple terms?
Magnitude is just a number that tells us how much energy was released during an earthquake. A 4.3 is considered a light quake—strong enough to feel, but usually not strong enough to cause big damage.

2. Who is the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)?
The USGS is a science group working for the U.S. government. Their job is to study the Earth, including watching for earthquakes, so we know exactly when and where the ground shakes.

3. What is an earthquake kit?
An earthquake kit is a collection of important supplies (like water, food, and flashlights) that you keep handy so you can take care of yourself and your family if a big earthquake makes it hard to get those things later.

4. Why do they call it "The Big One"?
"The Big One" is a friendly but serious nickname for a hypothetical massive earthquake that could happen along California’s big fault lines. Experts say it’s smart to be ready for it!

5. Is this story finished?
No! The article says it is a "developing story," meaning reporters are still gathering facts and will add more details as soon as they have them.

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