Magnitude 4.6 Earthquake Shakes Malibu and Greater Los Angeles

(Sean Greene / Los Angeles Times)

   Southern California experienced yet another seismic event as a magnitude 4.6 earthquake struck near Malibu, sending tremors across Los Angeles, Ventura, and Orange counties. The quake, which occurred at approximately 1:47 p.m. on Friday, had its epicenter northeast of Leo Carrillo State Beach and northwest of El Matador State Beach. Though earlier estimates suggested magnitudes of 4.7 and 4.5, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) ultimately confirmed it at 4.6.

Widespread Shaking, Minimal Damage Reported

The earthquake produced noticeable shaking, with reports coming in from as far as the West San Fernando Valley, Culver City, and Silver Lake. Some residents described a rolling sensation, while others experienced a pronounced back-and-forth swaying. Items in homes shifted, shelves rattled, and hanging objects swung, but there were no immediate reports of significant structural damage.

In Malibu, city officials noted minor rockfalls along the winding canyon roads, prompting warnings for drivers to proceed with caution. "A rock the size of a football can burst a tire and send you over a cliff," said city spokesman Matt Myerhoff. Meanwhile, Los Angeles Fire Department officials conducted routine damage assessments but found no substantial infrastructure issues or injuries.

Eyewitness Reactions and Emergency Preparedness

For many Southern Californians, the tremor was a stark reminder of the region’s seismic activity. Malibu Mayor Steve Uhring, who felt the quake from his home office, described a brief but strong jolt. His dog, startled by the shaking, ran from the room. "We've had wildfires, earthquakes, and floods. I'm just waiting for the locusts to show up," he quipped, emphasizing the need for preparedness.

Several residents received emergency alerts on their phones moments before the quake struck, reminding them to "drop, cover, and hold on." Some locals, such as Dakota Rose Koep of Simi Valley, didn't immediately feel the quake while driving, but later heard reports from family members describing the rolling motion. Businesses along the Pacific Coast Highway reported customers briefly evacuating buildings but returning once the shaking stopped.

Recent Seismic Activity in Southern California

This earthquake adds to a growing number of tremors in the region in recent months. Earlier this year, a magnitude 5.2 earthquake shook Bakersfield, followed by a 4.4-magnitude event in Pasadena. The increase in seismic events has led many residents to wonder if the long-anticipated "Big One" is approaching. However, seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones reassures the public that frequent smaller earthquakes do not necessarily indicate an impending major event.

"Southern California has actually been relatively quiet in terms of seismic activity since 1993," Dr. Jones explained. "The recent uptick in moderate earthquakes is notable, but it is still within the natural variability of an active fault system."

A Wake-Up Call for Preparedness

While this earthquake did not result in major destruction, it serves as a crucial reminder for Southern Californians to stay prepared. Experts urge residents to have emergency kits ready, secure heavy furniture, and review earthquake safety protocols.

As the ground beneath California continues to shift, one thing remains certain: preparedness is key in a region prone to seismic activity. Whether through emergency alerts, personal safety measures, or structural precautions, every small step can make a significant difference when the next earthquake strikes.