A magnitude 3.8 earthquake shook the Malibu and Los Angeles’ Westside neighborhoods on Friday afternoon, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey. The earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 4.6 miles north of Point Dume, nestled in the mountains above Malibu’s city limits. This marks the seventh earthquake recorded in the area this year.
The USGS categorized the shaking as “weak,” particularly noticeable indoors, especially in upper floors. Residents in Malibu and towns like Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Woodland Hills, Canoga Park, Winnetka, and Reseda likely experienced this Level 3 shaking on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale. Meanwhile, Level 2 shaking may have been felt across the broader San Fernando Valley, including Santa Monica and parts of the Los Angeles Basin, affecting only a handful of individuals indoors.
In specific instances, such as in Mar Vista, residents reported feeling the shaking for about 10 to 15 seconds, comparable to the sensation of someone kicking a desk.
Interestingly, the epicenter was located just a few miles northeast of a more significant earthquake, measuring 4.7, that occurred on September 12. That quake startled various individuals, including Malibu’s mayor and live news anchors. Additionally, it was situated about six miles northeast of a magnitude 4.6 earthquake from February that caused items to topple and walls to crack.
According to renowned seismologist Lucy Jones, Southern California has faced 15 seismic sequences this year alone, featuring at least one earthquake of magnitude 4 or higher, marking the highest annual count in 65 years, surpassing even the 13 events in 1988. Nonetheless, these frequent events do not predict when a major earthquake might occur. The last significant quake in Los Angeles County was 30 years ago, when a magnitude 6.7 earthquake devastated parts of the region.
To prepare residents for potential future seismic activities, local organizations have initiated programs, like the Unshaken newsletter, which provides essential earthquake preparedness tips. Engaging with such resources is a proactive step individuals can take to bolster their readiness for seismic events.
This recent tremor serves as a reminder of the region’s seismic activity, offering an opportunity for residents to review and enhance their preparedness. Stay informed and ready could prove invaluable when facing the unpredictability of earthquakes.