California, USA – A strong earthquake

shook several areas of Southern California early Monday morning ,

alarming residents and highlighting the seismic vulnerability of this region of the country.

The quake, which the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

said had a preliminary magnitude of 5.4 ,

was centered in an area where major tectonic plates meet ,

explaining its intensity and destructive potential.

“It felt really bad”: witness accounts

On social media, hundreds of users shared their experiences during the earthquake

. Continues…