Malibu Shaken by 3.6 Magnitude Earthquake Monday
Malibu, California - Residents of Malibu were jolted awake early Monday morning by a 3.6 magnitude earthquake that struck just offshore. The quake, which occurred at 4:18 AM PST, was centered approximately 10 miles southwest of Malibu, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
Felt Widely Across the Region
While the earthquake was relatively small in magnitude, it was felt widely across the region, including in Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, and even as far inland as Thousand Oaks.
"It felt like a big truck just drove by my house," said one Malibu resident who reported feeling the tremors. "I woke up and the whole house was shaking."
No Reports of Damage
Thankfully, there have been no reports of major damage or injuries resulting from the earthquake. However, it did serve as a reminder of the region's vulnerability to seismic activity.
"Southern California is situated on the San Andreas Fault, so earthquakes are a part of life here," said Dr. Emily Carter, a seismologist at the University of California, Los Angeles. "While this earthquake was relatively small, it's important to be prepared for larger events."
Prepare for Earthquakes
Dr. Carter emphasized the importance of having an emergency plan in place, including a designated meeting spot for family members, a stocked emergency kit, and knowledge of how to respond during an earthquake.
"It's always a good idea to practice earthquake drills and make sure you have a plan for what to do in case of an earthquake," she said.
A Reminder of California's Seismic Activity
This earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing seismic activity in California. While this particular event was minor, larger earthquakes are always a possibility, and preparedness is crucial for ensuring the safety of residents.
