A strong earthquake has struck Southern California - rattling millions from Los Angeles to San Diego, and even Las Vegas.
The 5.4 quake was centred 29 miles south east of downtown Los Angeles, near Chino Hills in San Bernardino County.
The midday shake was followed by 27 aftershocks, the largest estimated at a magnitude of 3.8. Tall buildings in LA swayed and fire officials described it as a major seismic event.
LA Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey said there were no immediate reports of damage or injury in the city.
Offices and restaurants could be seen evacuating workers and customers.
Seismologist Kate Hutton of the US Geological Survey office said the quake struck at 11.42am and was initially estimated at 5.8, a figure later revised to 5.4. She said the quake, estimated at 7.6 miles below the earth's surface, was "pretty shallow by worldwide standards". (Sky News Wednesday 30th July 2008)
The 5.4 quake was centred 29 miles south east of downtown 