E-Paper
What is ‘hurriquake’? Social media erupts after earthquake hits Southern California during Hurricane Hilary
A magnitude 5.1 earthquake hit Southern California, with its epicentre in Ojai, between Santa Barbara and Ventura
The recent weather phenomena in California led to the emergence of a new term which was the amalmagation of two extreme weather phenomenon. After Hurricane Hilary brought in an earthquake, the term #Hurriquake started trending on X (formerly Twitter). Even Merriam-Webster admitted it was a "new one for them".
The epicentre of the earthquake was in Ojai, between Santa Barbara and Ventura. The quake occurred along the Sisar fault, according to USGS data. A social media post by Ventura County Sheriff revealed there were no immediate reports of damage.
The phenomenon of a hurricane and an earthquake is rare in the modern age and social media users were quick to point that out. After the earthquake, #Hurriquake began trending on X. Dr. Lucy Jones, a seismologist, has said that there is a 5% chance that a stronger earthquake will hit Los Angeles anytime soon.
After the term‘Hurriquake’ was coined,Merriam-Webster said on X, “‘Hurriquake’ is a new one for us, too.”
Tropical Storm Hilary drenched Southern California with record rainfall, shutting down schools, roads and businesses before edging in on Nevada on Monday.
California Governor Gavin Newsom had declared a state of emergency over much of the typically dry area, where flash flood warnings remained in effect until Monday morning.
The Los Angeles branch of the National Weather Service said overnight that multiple daily rainfall records in the region had been broken.
With people already on edge ahead of the storm's arrival, a 5.1-magnitude earthquake jolted the southern California town of Ojai, but there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.
The deluge from Hilary swamped roads, transforming highways into rivers and stranding some motorists.
The start of the public school year was widely delayed for a day, with class postponed in several school districts, including San Diego, Los Angeles, Pasadena and Palmdale. At its peak a Category 4 hurricane -- the second-most powerful on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale -- Hilary was downgraded to a tropical storm as crossed into the United States from Mexico and later to a post-tropical cyclone.
President Joe Biden issues statement
Presient Joe Biden issued a statement on Hilary, saying, “As soon as Tropical Storm Hilary’s path became clear, my Administration took immediate action to prepare. At my direction, FEMA deployed to California federal personnel and supplies that can be surged to impacted communities. The U.S. Coast Guard pre-positioned aircraft to allow for rapid response and search-and-rescue efforts. My Administration also deployed federal personnel to Nevada to ensure the state has additional support, and we will continue to coordinate with California, Nevada, and Arizona on any resources they might need.”
He added, “This afternoon I spoke to California Governor Gavin Newsom about the emergency preparedness measures in place, and the initial response to Tropical Storm Hilary. I continue to be briefed on our preparedness efforts, and the storm’s potential impact – including flooding. My Administration stands ready to provide additional assistance as requested. I urge people to take this storm seriously, and listen to state and local officials.” Joe added that the earthquake that occurred in Southern California is being closely monitored.
Meanwhile, manyrecords for daily rainfall amounts were broken in Los Angeles, according to the National Weather Service. These include Long Beach Airport (1.56 inches), Hollywood Burbank Airport (1.61 inches), Palmdale Airport (2.95 inches), Lancaster (2.72), Sandberg (1.52), Oxnard (.77), and Santa Barbara Airport (.06). Hilary has also cause river levels in California to rise.
With inputs from agencies
