A magnitude 3.8 earthquake struck Malibu and the Westside of Los Angeles on Friday afternoon, prompting reports of mild shaking in several surrounding areas, as confirmed by the U.S. Geological Survey.
The earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 4.6 miles north of Point Dume, situated in the mountains above Malibu’s city limits. This event marks the seventh seismic occurrence in the Malibu area this year.
The U.S. Geological Survey categorized the shaking as “weak,” which is designated as Level 3 on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale. Residents in Malibu, Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Woodland Hills, Canoga Park, Winnetka, and Reseda likely experienced this mild tremor. Such shaking is typically felt indoors, particularly on upper floors, and can cause parked vehicles to sway slightly.
In other parts of the San Fernando Valley, Santa Monica, and throughout the Los Angeles Basin, residents may have felt even lighter shaking, classified as Level 2 on the same scale. This intensity is often only detected by a few people at rest, particularly in upper-level rooms.
For example, those in Mar Vista reported feeling tremors for about 10 to 15 seconds on elevated floors, likening the sensation to someone nudging a desk.
Notably, Friday’s quake was positioned just northeast of a stronger magnitude 4.7 tremor that occurred on September 12, which startled various individuals, including Malibu’s mayor. Furthermore, it followed a magnitude 4.6 earthquake earlier this year that prompted considerable reactions and even resulted in damage to homes.
According to seismologist Lucy Jones, Southern California has witnessed 15 significant seismic sequences in 2023, where at least one earthquake measured 4.0 or higher. This surpasses the previous record of 13 in 1988 and marks it as one of the most active seismic years in over six decades.
While this active seismic activity highlights the region’s ongoing geological dynamism, it does not hint at when a major earthquake might occur. The last significant quake in Los Angeles County, a 6.7 magnitude quake in 1994, resulted in numerous casualties and extensive property damage.
Historically, Southern California experienced a major earthquake event in 1857 when a 7.8 magnitude quake along the San Andreas fault caused substantial disruption across a vast area.
For residents looking to prepare for potential seismic events, signing up for informative resources such as the Unshaken newsletter may provide valuable insights into emergency readiness, including tips on assembling earthquake kits and utilizing helpful apps.
This recent quake, while minor, serves as a reminder for all Angelenos to stay vigilant and prepared for seismic activity in this earthquake-prone region.