A magnitude 3.8 earthquake prompted mild shaking in 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, situated in the mountains just outside Malibu’s city limits. This incident marks the seventh earthquake recorded in this region in 2023.
Seismic activity categorized as “weak” or Level 3 on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale likely affected residents in Malibu, Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Woodland Hills, Canoga Park, Winnetka, and Reseda. Such mild shaking is generally noticeable indoors, especially on upper floors, and may cause stationary vehicles to sway slightly.
In broader areas such as the San Fernando Valley, Santa Monica, and the greater Los Angeles Basin, a lower intensity of shaking, designated Level 2, may have been experienced by some individuals, particularly those on higher floors of buildings. For example, in Mar Vista, residents on the second floor felt shaking for about 10 to 15 seconds, likening it to a brief disturbance that made furniture wobble.
Notably, Friday’s quake was situated just three-fifths of a mile northeast of a more substantial magnitude 4.7 earthquake that occurred on September 12. This previous quake caused a stir, prompting Malibu’s mayor and others to take cover under tables, while live news broadcasters were also taken by surprise. Furthermore, the epicenter was about six miles northeast of another noteworthy quake, a magnitude 4.6 event on February 9, which resulted in items falling off counters and even wall cracks in Malibu.
Seismologist Lucy Jones noted that Southern California has faced 15 separate seismic sequences this year that included at least one earthquake of magnitude 4 or higher. This figure is the highest recorded in the last 65 years, surpassing the previous record of 13 in 1988. However, despite this surge in seismic activity, predicting the timing of a significant damaging earthquake remains challenging. The last major earthquake in Los Angeles County occurred 30 years ago and registered a magnitude of 6.7.
In light of these events, residents are encouraged to prepare for potential future earthquakes. The new “Unshaken” newsletter offers essential tips on emergency preparedness, covering everything from earthquake kits to expert advice. Helping communities stay safe ensures that everyone in the affected regions remains resilient and ready in case of larger seismic events.
In summary, while the frequency of earthquakes in Southern California may be increasing, this serves as a critical reminder for residents to prioritize safety and preparedness in the face of natural disasters.