A series of four consecutive earthquakes jolted Southern California on Sunday afternoon, bringing a brief flurry of panic but no serious destruction. The strongest earthquake, recorded at a magnitude of 4.1, struck just after 1 pm near Westlake Village.
According to the Daily Mail, this seismic event affected several communities including those in Malibu and Westlake Village, with the main tremor felt widely across surrounding areas.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the magnitudes of these earthquakes ranged from 2.5 to 4.1. The initial quake struck with the most power, centering about 11 kilometers north of Westlake Village and significantly affecting numerous neighborhoods.
The initial 4.1 magnitude quake struck first, followed by three more tremors measuring 2.5, 2.8, and 3.0 in magnitude. These quakes originated within a 13-kilometer radius of Malibu. Although weaker, the subsequent tremors unsettled local residents.
Malibu and Westlake Village experienced the strongest effects, along with neighboring cities such as Agoura Hills, Camarillo, and Thousand Oaks. Residents in these areas felt more intense shaking compared to those farther from the epicenter.
The Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale labeled the earthquakes as 'light,' meaning many people indoors felt the shaking—often noticing rattling dishes and creaking walls—though the quakes were not expected to cause significant damage.
Despite the absence of damage, social media was ablaze with reactions from residents and concerns about the potential for more severe natural disasters, such as tsunamis. One local remark captured on X highlighted the unfamiliar sensation: 'I’ve never felt the ground shake heavily beneath my feet until now, pretty wild,' they said, illustrating the shock felt by many.
In response to widespread concerns, the US National Tsunami Center swiftly confirmed that no tsunamis were expected following these quakes. This announcement helped to alleviate some fears among the coastal communities, particularly sensitive to tsunami risks.
The Los Angeles Times reported no immediate damage from the quakes, which likely provided further relief to residents who experienced the tremors more strongly than most.
The tremors primarily affected specific locales but may have reached as far as downtown Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oxnard, Ventura, and valleys like Santa Clarita and San Gabriel. This widespread perception of the quakes serves as a reminder of the extensive reach that even moderately intense seismic activities can have.
Moreover, in areas like Simi Valley, the quakes stirred concerns, albeit with a mild impact compared to the immediate vicinity of the epicenter. The broad geographical spread of those who felt the quake underscores the interconnected nature of communities within Los Angeles County when faced with natural disturbances.
As Southern California recovers from this series of quakes, local officials and agencies continue to monitor any aftershocks or related seismic activities that might pose further risks or necessitate alertness soon.
