California earthquake: 5.1 quake shakes Bay Area, no reports of damage

Tremors felt across region, with aftershocks possible

A magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck the Bay Area on Thursday morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake hit at 11:42 a.m. and was centered about 12 miles southeast of Livermore, in Alameda County.

There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. However, aftershocks are possible, so residents are advised to be prepared.

The earthquake was felt across the region, from San Francisco to San Jose. Some people reported feeling the shaking for several seconds.

This is the second earthquake to hit the Bay Area in the past week. On Wednesday, a magnitude 2.6 earthquake struck near Livermore. There were no reports of damage from that quake either.

The Bay Area is located on the San Andreas Fault, which is one of the most active seismic faults in the world. Earthquakes are common in the region, and residents should be prepared for the possibility of a major earthquake.

If you feel an earthquake, drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on until the shaking stops. Be sure to stay away from windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.