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A 3.7 magnitude earthquake shook parts of California late Friday night, causing tremors in several cities, including Malibu, Thousand Oaks, Oxnard, Simi Valley, and Ventura. Some residents in Los Angeles also reported feeling the quake.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at 11:44 p.m. local time on February 14. The tremor originated at a depth of 15.3 kilometers, with the epicenter located 11 kilometers northwest of Malibu.
Tremors Felt Across Los Angeles and Nearby Areas
While there have been no confirmed reports of damage or injuries, many residents across the affected areas, including Los Angeles, took to social media to share their experiences.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote: "Lemme be one of the first in LA to tweet... EARTHQUAKE!!!!"
Another posted: "3.7 Earthquake. First fires, then mudslides, and now an earthquake."
A third user expressed concern: "That was a 3.7 magnitude. Is the 10.0 next? With the way 2025 is going for SoCal, expect the unexpected."
Anybody else in Los Angeles felt that earthquake? 🫨 #earthquake #LosAngeles
— Sethy (@sethyarn) February 15, 2025
Recent Earthquakes in California
California is known for frequent seismic activity. Just a day before this earthquake, the Bay Area was rocked by multiple tremors. The strongest one, a 3.7 magnitude earthquake in Alameda County, struck near Hayward, about 20 miles southeast of Oakland.
Other smaller earthquakes recorded in the region included:
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3.3 magnitude
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3.2 magnitude
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2.7 magnitude
Fortunately, no injuries or structural damage were reported in these incidents.
Tsunami Warning Issued for Northern California in December 2024
On December 5, 2024, a massive 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck the California shoreline. The quake occurred in the North Pacific Ocean, about 40 miles southwest of Ferndale, California.
This earthquake was powerful enough to trigger a rare tsunami warning, affecting nearly 5 million people from Davenport, California, to Douglas, Oregon. Fortunately, there were no significant damages reported from the tsunami threat.
Why Does Los Angeles Experience Frequent Earthquakes?
Los Angeles and the surrounding areas sit on the San Andreas Fault, one of the most active fault lines in the world. The region experiences frequent earthquakes due to the shifting of tectonic plates beneath California.
Experts warn that while small earthquakes like this one are common, they can serve as reminders to stay prepared for a potentially larger earthquake in the future.
How to Stay Safe During an Earthquake
If you live in earthquake-prone areas like Los Angeles, it’s crucial to know what to do when the ground starts shaking:
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Drop, Cover, and Hold On – Protect yourself from falling objects and debris.
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Stay Indoors if Safe – Move away from windows and heavy furniture.
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Have an Emergency Kit Ready – Keep food, water, and medical supplies on hand.
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Check for Gas Leaks – If you smell gas after an earthquake, turn off the gas supply and evacuate.
Final Thoughts
While the 3.7 magnitude earthquake in Los Angeles was not particularly strong, it serves as a reminder of the seismic risks in California. Experts encourage residents to always stay prepared and stay informed about earthquake safety measures.
