4.7 quake shakes Yuma midday Friday

A magnitude 4.8 quake was felt in the Yuma area at 12:31 p.m. Friday, followed minutes later by a magnitude 4.4 aftershock, according to the U.S. Geological Survey's Earthquake Information Center.

USGS initially measured the first quake as a 4.7 magnitude, but later upgraded the number.

Callers to The Sun reported that the quake was felt as far east in Yuma County as Wellton.

Experts with USGS said the quake was likely just another aftershock related to the recent series or "swarm" of quakes felt over the past several weeks in the Mexicali, Baja California region. Quakes measuring 2.9 and 4.1 followed within minutes of Friday's initial temblor.

A 4.7 quake in the same region was felt on Wednesday.

Recent quakes have originated south of Mexicali, Baja California.

This swarm of quakes began Feb. 9 when an earthquake measuring 5.5 was felt in Yuma. That quake has been followed by numerous aftershocks, some striking twice in one day. Aftershock quakes have so far measured from magnitude 2.1 to 4.7.

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Darin Fenger can be reached at dfenger@yumasun.com or 539-6860.