SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 4.6 and centered near Malibu gave a jarring shake to parts of Los Angeles Friday, but there were no initial reports of significant damage or injuries.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake, which struck at 1:47 p.m., was centered about 7.7 miles southwest of Westlake Village and 7.9 miles west-northwest of Malibu. The quake was felt over a wide area.
Los Angeles County Fire Department and the L.A. County Sheriff's Department's Malibu officials quickly indicated there were no immediate reports of injuries or property damage. The Los Angeles City Fire Department went into "earthquake mode," in which crews fan out to survey the entire city, but initial indications were no reports of damage. The LAFD's procedure following a quake is to check transportation infrastructures such as freeway overpasses, large places of assemblage and apartment buildings, dams and power lines.
The LAFD's complete survey generally take about an hour to complete.
The temblor was felt as a sharp jolt from Malibu to the west side and beyond, as well as in Orange County.
Some residents reported that it was felt for between five and eight seconds.
The USGS said the quake occurred at a depth of about eight miles.
Shortly afterward, the Los Angeles County Fire Department warned area residents to prepare for possible aftershocks.
"If Inside When Shaking Starts: DROP, COVER, HOLD ON!" the fire department posted on X, formerly Twitter.
"Protect Your Head + Neck While Taking Cover Under Sturdy Furniture or Near a Sturdy Interior Wall, Away From Windows and Doorways Until Shaking Stops."
The USGS reported a series of aftershocks, with the largest measured at a magnitude of 3.0.
Southland earthquake expert Lucy Jones said the quake was not tied to the recent torrential rains that soaked the area, noting that it occurred at a depth of more than 8 miles. She also said the temblor was not related in any way to a strong quake that occurred earlier in the day in Hawaii.
Tips for before, during and after an eathquake
How can the average person protect themselves from such a strong earthquake?
The City of San Diego has published a list detailing what you can do before, during and after an earthquake.
Before:
- Identify safe spots in your home and eliminate hazards like unsecured items on walls.
- Prepare a disaster kit containing emergency water, food and supplies.
- Make sure everyone knows who to contact and where to go if you get separated.
During:
- If you are indoors, drop to the ground, cover your head and neck and hold on to the leg of a table or desk so it won't slide away from you.
- If you are outside, stay away from buildings, trees, streetlights and power lines.
- If you are in a vehicle, park away from those same objects and avoid bridges.
After:
- Check your home for damages and stop any fires or gas leaks that may have occurred.
- Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, sturdy shoes and work gloves to protect yourself from dangerous debris.
- Be prepared for aftershocks.
What would happen if a 6.9 magnitude earthquake hit San Diego?
If a 6.9 magnitude quake happened along the Rose Canyon Fault, which mirrors the path the I-5 freeway takes from La Jolla to Downtown, it could cause an estimated $38 billion of damage with up to 800 deaths.
This exact scenario was analyzed in a 2020 report by the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute.
Such an earthquake would be tied for the 13th-strongest to ever hit California. The state's other 6.9M earthquake hit the Bay Area in 1989, causing up to $10 billion in damages, injuring 3,753 people and killing 63.
In fact, one 2015 study from the Southern California Earthquake Center said there is a 75% chance of a 7 magnitude earthquake hitting Southern California by 2045.
"We cannot predict earthquakes," said Dr. Pat Abbott, professor of geology emeritus at San Diego State University. "But geologically we are overdue for what we estimate to be a 7.8 magnitude on the Salton Sea."
However, if such a devastating quake were to hit the region, the damage would still be significantly less than what has just happened in Turkey. Back-to-back earthquakes — one a 7.8 magnitude and the other a 7.5 magnitude — have killed at least 11,000 people.
"California is not going to receive that same level of destruction," Dr. Abbott said. "I'm not saying we're going to experience destruction... but widespread collapse of buildings, no."
WATCH THROWBACK: Northridge earthquake aerial views of damage in 1994
