A 4.7 magnitude earthquake struck the Los Angeles area early Thursday morning, sending tremors across Southern California and causing concern among residents. The earthquake, centered just north of Malibu, jolted people awake and triggered a swift response from local authorities, though no significant injuries or damages have been reported.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed that the earthquake occurred at 7:28 a.m., with its epicenter located 4 miles north of Malibu and at a depth of approximately 7 miles. The tremor, initially recorded as a magnitude 5.1 before being downgraded, was felt across a wide region, including coastal areas like Santa Monica and inland communities as far as Orange County, 45 miles away.
Lucy Jones, a seismologist with the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), described the quake as a "garden-variety Southern California earthquake," noting that while the event was significant enough to be felt broadly, it was not unusual for the area. Jones pointed out that earthquakes of this magnitude are typically not associated with the large faults mapped at the earth's surface, making them less likely to cause severe damage.
In Malibu, near the epicenter, residents experienced the strongest shaking. Malibu Councilmember Bruce Silverstein, who has lived in the community for 13 years, remarked that this was the hardest quake he had felt yet. "Our house shook for about two or three seconds. I was concerned the windows were going to pop," Silverstein said, though he confirmed that nothing broke.
The earthquake also triggered minor incidents, such as large boulders tumbling onto Malibu Canyon Road, which required a crew to clear the debris. In Santa Monica, the city's iconic 1909 wooden pier was seen visibly shaking during the quake, captured live by a camera on the pier. Several local television stations also broadcasted footage of the quake as it happened, with cameras shaking in studios across the region.
Despite the widespread shaking, officials were quick to reassure the public. "We are having earthquakes. None of them have been damaging. They've all been small," said Dr. Lucy Jones. She emphasized that while the region has experienced a relative period of seismic quiet over the past few decades, it is essential for residents to remain prepared for future events.
The earthquake coincided with ongoing challenges in the region, including three major wildfires burning east of Los Angeles. These fires have already destroyed dozens of homes and forced thousands to evacuate, compounding the stress on local communities. The wildfires erupted during a blistering heat wave that has just recently subsided.
Thursday's earthquake follows a series of similar seismic events in Southern California. In August, a 4.4 magnitude earthquake rattled the Los Angeles area, causing minor damage, including a burst pipe at the historic Pasadena City Hall. Earlier in February, a 4.6 magnitude quake was also felt in Malibu, occurring just south of Thursday's event.
According to Jones, Thursday's earthquake marks the 14th sequence of magnitude 4.0 or higher in Southern California this year, a number that exceeds the average of eight to ten such events per year over the past few decades. However, she cautioned that it is too early to determine whether this increase in activity is statistically significant.
The earthquake also prompted a precautionary slowdown of trains on Los Angeles' Metro system to check for any potential damage, a standard procedure following seismic activity. While there were no immediate reports of injuries or significant structural damage, the event serves as a reminder of the ever-present risk of earthquakes in the region.
Residents and celebrities alike took to social media to share their experiences of the quake. Hotel heiress Paris Hilton described the event as "scary," while reality TV star Khloe Kardashian commented, "Damn that was a big one." Some residents reported that they were alerted by the state's earthquake early warning system, which provided them with crucial seconds to brace for the tremor.
