A 3.9-magnitude earthquake struck Malibu, California, late on Sunday night, sending tremors across Los Angeles, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Ventura, Agoura Hills, and Westlake Village. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred 10 kilometers northwest of Malibu at exactly 11:17 p.m., with a depth of 14 kilometers.
Although no immediate reports of damage or injuries have surfaced, the quake caused a moment of panic among residents who felt the sudden jolt. Many Californians are accustomed to minor earthquakes, but the frequency of recent seismic activity in the region has raised concerns about the possibility of a larger earthquake in the near future.
Residents Describe the Earthquake Experience
Many locals took to social media and online earthquake tracking forums to describe their experiences. Some reported mild vibrations, while others noted stronger swaying motions that lasted for a few seconds.
A Brea resident shared their experience with Volcano Discovery, a platform that collects real-time earthquake reports from around the world:
“I was sitting in my chair reading when I suddenly felt a very gentle vibration. It was a small jiggle, nothing too alarming, but it was noticeable.”
Meanwhile, a Camarillo resident described the quake as unsettling:
“At first, I thought it was a passing truck or some random movement, but then I realized it was an earthquake. I felt like I had to wait for it to pass, but the intensity seemed to increase for just a brief moment. I don’t know if it was my fear of the unknown kicking in, but it definitely made me uneasy. I remember the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, and that was terrifying. This one wasn’t nearly as bad, but it had that same swaying motion. You never know when a minor tremor could turn into something much bigger.”
Another resident from Agoura Hills reported:
“The walls of my apartment shook for about three to four seconds. It wasn’t violent, but enough to wake me up. It’s the third Sunday in a row that we’ve had an earthquake around here. It makes me nervous.”
Social Media Reactions
Many California residents took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their reactions to the quake.
- One user wrote: “Wild! Glad it was only a few seconds, but I’m definitely staying prepared.”
- Another commented: “Earthquake in LA again?! This is getting too frequent. Mother Nature, give us a break!”
- A concerned resident tweeted: “LA has had an earthquake every Sunday for the past three weeks… I’m officially worried.”
- One humorously added: “At this point, my earthquake kit is just my running shoes by the bed.”
Recent Earthquakes in the Region
This is the latest in a series of earthquakes that have struck Southern California in recent weeks. Just over a week ago, on March 9, a 4.1-magnitude earthquake hit Westlake Village near Malibu. That tremor, which had a depth of 11.7 kilometers, was felt across Los Angeles, Thousand Oaks, Ventura County, Simi Valley, and Long Beach.
Although minor earthquakes are common in California, seismologists are keeping a close watch on these recurring events. The region sits on the San Andreas Fault, one of the most well-known fault lines in the world. Experts warn that while small quakes relieve some built-up stress along fault lines, they could also be precursors to a much larger seismic event.
Preparedness and Safety Measures
With the increase in seismic activity, experts are urging residents to take basic earthquake preparedness measures. Here are a few key recommendations from the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES):
- Have an Emergency Kit – Include water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, and important documents.
- Create a Family Plan – Identify a safe location inside and outside your home and practice earthquake drills with your family.
- Secure Heavy Objects – Bolt bookshelves, mirrors, and other heavy items to walls to prevent them from falling during a quake.
- Know Drop, Cover, and Hold On – In case of an earthquake, drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on until the shaking stops.
- Stay Informed – Sign up for earthquake alerts through apps like ShakeAlert to receive early warnings.
What’s Next?
While no significant damage was reported from the March 17 earthquake, seismologists will continue monitoring aftershocks and other seismic activity in the area. California remains one of the most earthquake-prone regions in the world, and scientists continue to study patterns in an effort to better predict future quakes.
For now, residents are advised to stay vigilant, be prepared, and take precautions as the state experiences ongoing seismic activity.
