A 4.5 magnitude earthquake centered about 7.7 miles southwest of Westlake Village and 7.9 miles west northwest of Malibu rattled a swath of the Southland around 1:47 p.m. Friday afternoon, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.
According to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department’s Malibu station, there are no immediate reports of damage or injuries in the station’s jurisdiction.
The temblor was felt as a sharp jolt across a wide swath of the Southland.
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.”
There were reports of aftershocks measuring 3.0 and 2.6 magnitudes.