Earthquake hits Hollywood as stars gather for Oscars afterparty - BBC.com

In a glamorous night that was supposed to be marked by celebration and star power, a sudden tremor added an unexpected twist. Hollywood, the world's renowned center of the movie industry, experienced a minor earthquake as the stars gathered for the Oscars afterparty. The seismic event, which struck at approximately 22:00 local time, did not deter the glittering spectacle of the Vanity Fair afterparty but certainly added an unscripted moment to the festivities. This occurrence, though minor, has drawn attention to the unpredictability of natural disasters, even amidst the most high-profile of events.

The earthquake, which hit Hollywood during the Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty, measured 3.2 on the Richter scale, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The epicentre of the quake was traced back to the Hollywood Hills area, a popular residential district for many movie stars. It is noteworthy that earthquakes of this magnitude are generally considered to be minor and are often barely felt. However, they can cause some degree of panic, particularly in a crowded social event such as the Oscars afterparty.

Seismologists report that the earthquake occurred at around 22:00 local time. This was a time when the stars were gathered at the much-anticipated Vanity Fair afterparty. Despite the unexpected disturbance, the event was not suspended or interrupted due to the earthquake. The reaction of the attendees ranged from shock to amusement, as many of them were experiencing an earthquake for the first time.

The Hollywood earthquake is a timely reminder of the geological reality that the state of California lives with. The state sits on the San Andreas Fault, a boundary between two tectonic plates. This results in frequent seismic activities, including earthquakes. However, California's strict building codes are designed to withstand such natural disasters, ensuring the safety of its inhabitants.

There were no immediate reports of significant damage or injuries resulting from the quake. The Los Angeles Fire Department swiftly initiated its earthquake protocols, surveying the city for any potential damage. However, the impact of the earthquake appears to have been minimal, with no major incidents reported. The Vanity Fair afterparty continued as planned, with the earthquake becoming a talking point among the attendees.

The earthquake, though minor, briefly disrupted the glamorous Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty, which was in full swing at the time. The quake triggered a pause in the festivities as guests and staff took a moment to assess the situation. However, the party quickly resumed without any major disturbances. Fortunately, no injuries or significant damages were reported at the event.

A number of Hollywood A-listers took to social media to share their experiences and reactions. Some expressed surprise, while others used humor to lighten the mood. Despite the unexpected interruption, the overall mood remained upbeat, with many celebrities joking about the incident as an added element of excitement to the night.

Emergency response teams were quick to assess the situation throughout the city. Local authorities reported no major infrastructural damage and no significant injuries. The Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed that there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries, and no emergency calls related to the earthquake.

The incident served as a stark reminder of the region's vulnerability to seismic events. While Hollywood stars are no strangers to shaking up the status quo, this event served as a physical manifestation of the unpredictable nature of life in the city. Despite the initial shock, the show went on, embodying the resilience of the Hollywood spirit.

Despite the initial shock and surprise, experts were quick to assure that the event was a minor one. According to Dr. Andrei Mironov, a seismologist at the California Institute of Technology, "The quake was relatively small, with a magnitude of 3.6. While it was felt strongly due to its shallow depth, it is not expected to cause significant damage."

He further explained that California, and Los Angeles in particular, is situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area with frequent seismic activity. "Earthquakes are quite common in this part of the world due to the movement of the tectonic plates. However, this doesn't mean that every quake will lead to a disaster. Most of them are too small to even be felt," Dr. Mironov added.

Indeed, the US Geological Survey confirms that each year, Southern California alone experiences approximately 10,000 earthquakes. However, most of them are so small that they go unnoticed by people.

"It's a testament to the robustness of the local infrastructure and building codes that a quake of this magnitude doesn't cause more disruption. There's always room for improvement, but the systems in place are working as intended," Dr. Mironov concluded.

The unexpected quake that shook Hollywood during the Oscars afterparty certainly added an unprecedented twist to the evening's festivities. Though relatively minor, it served as a tangible reminder of nature's unpredictable behavior, even in the midst of glitz and glamour.

While this event may have briefly interrupted the celebrations, it did not dampen the spirit of the Oscars night. It will undoubtedly be remembered, not only for the awards and honors of the film industry's most distinguished figures, but also for the unexpected tremor that briefly stole the spotlight.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd0nlk3vg1lo