4.7-magnitude earthquake with a center in Malibu was felt throughout Los Angeles

4.7-magnitude earthquake with a center in Malibu was felt throughout Los Angeles

A magnitude 4.7 earthquake that struck the Los Angeles area on September 12, 2024, had its epicenter close to Malibu, some 4.35 miles north of the city. The earthquake, which struck at 7:30 a.m. local time, was first estimated to be 5.1 in magnitude, but it was later reduced down to 4.7. Within two minutes of the earthquake, a further aftershock of magnitude 2.8 occurred, once more located close to Malibu.

Impact and Location

Because of its shallow depth—roughly 7.2 miles or 11.6 kilometers—the earthquake was felt widely throughout Southern California, especially in Pasadena, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Escondido. Typical of shallow earthquakes, residents reported experiencing a strong shock followed by minor shaking. Though there was a lot of shaking, no serious injuries or severe structural damage were reported.

Emergency Response

The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) surveyed the city’s bridges, vital systems, and infrastructure right away after switching into earthquake mode. Thankfully, they didn’t discover any serious harm or disruptions to vital services. In California, this kind of inspection is customary, particularly in areas like Los Angeles that are vulnerable to regular seismic activity. LAFD and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) kept a careful eye on the situation in case there were any aftershocks.

Public Reaction and Preparedness

Residents in Southern California used to the odd tremor, responded calmly. Many people reported the earthquake on social media, calling it a “sharp jolt.” The earthquake acted as a reminder of the region’s susceptibility to more significant seismic events even though no significant disruptions were observed.

Also Read: Alabama is the first state

The significance of earthquake preparedness was emphasized by emergency management organizations, who also urged citizens to check their emergency kits, review safety procedures, and make sure their homes are safe from potential future earthquakes.

Scientific Insights

Although this specific earthquake was unrelated to the notorious San Andreas Fault, the Los Angeles region is situated close to a number of fault lines. The epicenter was situated in the seismically active area of the Santa Monica Mountains. The USGS’s seismologists and geologists are keeping an eye on the region and have noted that aftershocks could last for several days after the main tremor. Commonly occurring smaller aftershocks can assist the release of pressure that has built up along fault zones, possibly averting larger earthquakes.

California’s Earthquake History

There have been numerous earthquakes in the greater Los Angeles area over the years, including this one. Despite the mild magnitude of this event, Southern California has previously been hit by far more powerful earthquakes. One such occurrence was the Northridge earthquake of 1994, which had a magnitude of 6.7 and resulted in extensive damage and fatalities. Consequently, the area has made significant investments in public awareness programs and infrastructure designed to withstand earthquakes.

In summary, the moderate 4.7 magnitude earthquake that struck on September 12, 2024, emphasizes the seismic activity in Southern California and the continued need for resilience and preparation in the event of future earthquakes.