A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 4.6 and centered near Malibu gave a jarring shake to much of the Southland 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 across a wide swath of the Southland, 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.