Mar 16 (THAINDIAN NEWS) According to the U.S.Geological Survey, an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.4 hit the greater Los Angeles area at 4:04 am local time this morning, (Tuesday March 16,2010). Although there were no immediate reports of damages or injuries, many citizens were shook up, especially after the recent rash of earthquakes that seem to have broken out all over the world. The most devastating quake in recent history was the January 12 quake in Haiti. This was followed by quakes in Japan, Chile, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Turkey.

The tremor was located near Pico Rivera, about 10 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. It was strong enough to wake a few million California residents, and was felt as far east as Bernardino County and as far west as Santa Monica. The largest damage reported so far has been a 10 foot stretch of highway in the center lane of a southbound interstate which is located 5 miles south of downtown. The broken road is in the Downey area and road workers with the California Department of Transportation are working to quickly repair the damage.

The area is full of wrestlers and fans as well, since the WWE Smackdown event is scheduled to be taped at The Staples Center. There have been several earthquakes in the Los Angeles area recently, and this one is the strongest yet, however, the Smackdown event will go on as planned according to spokespersons for the event.