Magnitude 4.6 Earthquake Rattles Los Angeles Area

Aerial view to Malibu Beach (Credit: Shutterstock)

An earthquake measuring 4.6 struck on Friday afternoon near Malibu, causing frayed nerves across Southern California.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the temblor hit at 1:47 p.m. PT, and was centered about 7 miles northwest of Malibu.

People on social media reported feeling shaking as far east as downtown Los Angeles, and as far south as Chula Vista near the border with Mexico.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or serious damage.

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The Los Angeles Fire Department quickly posted a statement on X, formerly Twitter, warning residents that aftershocks could follow.

“Prepare NOW for aftershocks. If inside when shaking starts: DROP, COVER, HOLD ON! 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 LAFD posted at 1:48 p.m.

The department also released a statement saying it was launching into “earthquake mode,” meaning personnel from all 106 neighborhood fire stations would conduct surveys by land, air and sea to look for potential damage to “critical infrastructure” — such as freeway overpasses.

An employee at the Surfing Cowboys store in Malibu said the shaking was so bad, that he fled the store and ran out into the street.

“I work in a shop with surfboards hanging from the ceiling, so I’m not going to go out from a surfboard bonking me on top of my head. I’d rather run out,” sales associate Anthony Valdez told the Associated Press.

The earthquake occurred just hours after a 5.7 magnitude temblor struck off Hawaii’s Big Island on Friday morning. The Hawaii Department of Education said two schools reported structural damage and students were relocated as a safety precaution.

Renowned Southern California seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones told local news outlets that the two quakes were not related.

Watch a local news report out of Los Angeles below.


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About Anita Bennett

Anita Bennett is the editor and founder of Urban Hollywood 411. She can be reached on Twitter @tvanita.