Key Points:
- A 4.7 magnitude earthquake hit the Los Angeles area Thursday morning.
- The earthquake was centered near Malibu, with no major injuries or damages reported.
- Large boulders tumbled onto Malibu Canyon Road, and the Santa Monica Pier visibly shook.
- Celebrities and residents took to social media to react to the quake.
- This is the 14th earthquake above magnitude 4.0 in Southern California this year.
- The region is also dealing with three major wildfires that have caused evacuations and destruction.
4.7 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Los Angeles: Minor Disruptions and No Major Damage Reported
A 4.7 magnitude earthquake struck the Los Angeles area early Thursday morning, startling residents, shaking iconic landmarks, and causing boulders to tumble onto Malibu Canyon Road. Despite the strength of the quake, no injuries or significant damages were reported, though the tremor was widely felt across Southern California.
Earthquake Epicenter Near Malibu
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake was centered approximately 4 miles (7 kilometers) north of Malibu and originated at a depth of 7 miles (11 kilometers) below the Earth’s surface. This epicenter placed the quake near both the Malibu and Anacapa fault lines, though seismologists from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) noted that the earthquake was too small to be definitively linked to these larger faults.
Residents from as far as 45 miles (72 kilometers) away in Orange County reported feeling the quake, with some claiming they were awakened by the shaking and saw household items moving during the brief event.
Malibu and Santa Monica Experience Visible Shaking
In Malibu, several large boulders rolled onto Malibu Canyon Road, prompting emergency crews to clear the debris. No major structural damage was reported, but the brief tremor was enough to rattle nerves. Malibu Councilmember Bruce Silverstein, who has lived in the area for over a decade, described the quake as the hardest he had ever felt, though he was relieved that no serious damage occurred. “Our house shook for about two or three seconds. I was concerned the windows were going to pop,” Silverstein shared.
At the historic Santa Monica Pier, located approximately 12 miles (19 kilometers) from Malibu, a live camera captured several seconds of intense shaking. The 115-year-old wooden structure, a popular tourist destination, remained intact, but the tremor was visible on the broadcast of several morning newscasts as cameras in local studios also shook.
Public Reactions and Early Warning System
As the quake rippled through the region, social media quickly lit up with reactions from the public, including several celebrities. Media personality Paris Hilton took to X (formerly known as Twitter), posting, “That #Earthquake was scary.” Reality TV star Khloe Kardashian also commented, “Damn that was a big one.”
The California Earthquake Early Warning System did alert some residents before the shaking began, providing a few seconds of warning. Such alerts can make a significant difference in earthquake preparedness, giving individuals time to take cover or halt potentially dangerous activities.
Southern California’s Active Seismic Year
Thursday’s earthquake is the latest in a series of tremors to hit Southern California in recent months. In August, a 4.4 magnitude earthquake rattled nerves across the region, swaying buildings, knocking items off shelves, and even causing a pipe to burst at the historic Pasadena City Hall.
Seismologist Lucy Jones from Caltech explained that this year has seen a higher-than-average number of earthquakes in the region. The 4.7 magnitude quake was the 14th earthquake above magnitude 4.0 to hit Southern California in 2024, which surpasses the usual annual average of eight to 10. Jones noted that while this increase in activity is unusual, it’s too early to determine whether the trend is statistically significant. “It’s a garden-variety Southern California earthquake,” Jones remarked, noting that earthquakes of this magnitude are not uncommon in the region.
Wildfires Compound Challenges for Southern California
The earthquake comes as Southern California grapples with additional crises, including three major wildfires burning east of Los Angeles. These fires have destroyed dozens of homes, forced thousands to evacuate, and added to the region’s stress. The blazes began amid a severe heatwave that had only recently subsided.
Despite the combination of wildfires and frequent seismic activity, Southern California remains resilient, with no major incidents reported from Thursday’s earthquake. However, the region’s preparedness for both natural disasters continues to be a point of focus for local authorities and residents alike.