A magnitude 3.8 earthquake shook Malibu and the Westside of Los Angeles early Friday afternoon, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake’s epicenter was located approximately 4.6 miles north of Point Dume, within the mountainous region above Malibu’s city limits. This marks the seventh seismic event of this magnitude in the area this year.
The shaking, classified as “weak” according to the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale, was felt in several locations, including Malibu, Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Woodland Hills, Canoga Park, Winnetka, and Reseda. Such weak shaking can often be noticeable indoors, particularly on higher floors, and is sufficient to cause idle vehicles to sway slightly.
Further analysis reveals that shaking at a Level 2 intensity on the same scale may have affected parts of the San Fernando Valley, Santa Monica, and across the broader Los Angeles Basin. This level of intensity is typically only felt by a select few individuals, especially those resting on upper floors.
In Mar Vista, residents reported feeling the tremor for about 10 to 15 seconds on upper floors, which felt akin to a gentle nudge against a desk. Notably, Friday’s tremor occurred just northeast of a larger 4.7 magnitude earthquake that rattled the region on September 12, causing significant reactions among residents and local news anchors alike. It was also nearby another 4.6 magnitude quake that hit on February 9, which resulted in tangible disruptions in homes and buildings.
According to seismologist Lucy Jones, Southern California has seen a remarkable 15 independent seismic events this year, each recording at least one earthquake of magnitude 4 or higher. This surpasses the 13 such events recorded in 1988, making it the most active year for earthquakes in the past 65 years.
Despite the uptick in seismic activity, experts caution that this trend does not indicate the imminent arrival of a major, damaging earthquake. The last significant quake in Los Angeles County occurred three decades ago, with a 6.7 magnitude earthquake in the San Fernando Valley resulting in numerous casualties and extensive property damage.
Furthermore, California’s geological history highlights the potential for even larger quakes, such as the 1857 megaquake that ruptured approximately 225 miles of the San Andreas fault.
As residents remain vigilant, there is a proactive way to prepare for future seismic events. The Unshaken newsletter offers practical guidance on emergency preparedness, including essential earthquake kits and crucial safety tips from experts like Lucy Jones.
It’s vital for individuals and communities to stay informed and ready, reinforcing a sense of collective resilience in the face of natural challenges.