Late Friday night, a 3.7 magnitude earthquake rattled some parts of California. It was strong enough to be felt in places like Malibu, Thousand Oaks, Oxnard, Simi Valley, and Ventura. Even some folks in Los Angeles said they felt the shaking. The quake happened around 11:44 p.m. near Malibu, about 11 kilometers northwest, and started about 15 kilometers underground, according to the US Geological Survey.
Honestly, it wasn’t super strong, but it was enough to make people notice and share what they felt on social media. No word yet on any damage or injuries, but it got people’s attention for sure.
People Reacted Across Los Angeles and Nearby Cities
Lots of people took to social media to talk about the quake. Some were kind of surprised or worried, while others were just sharing their experience like it was a big deal. For example, one person was quick to tweet, “EARTHQUAKE!!!” from LA. Others made comments about how this year’s been full of crazy stuff — fires, mudslides, and now earthquakes — wondering if something bigger might come next.
The truth is, many in Southern California are always a bit on edge because of these quakes. Some people joked, some were nervous, and others just wanted to know if anyone else felt it too.
California Sees Frequent Earthquakes, Including Recently
California isn’t new to earthquakes — it’s basically a normal thing here. Just a day before this one near Malibu, there were a bunch of smaller quakes up in the Bay Area. The biggest one there was also a 3.7 magnitude near Hayward, which is about 20 miles from Oakland. Other little shakes measured around 3.3, 3.2, and 2.7 magnitude.
Luckily, none of those caused injuries or damage. Still, it shows how active the earth is around here, and why folks always have one eye open.
Why Does This Keep Happening?
So, the reason earthquakes happen so often around LA is because it sits on the San Andreas Fault. This fault is basically a giant crack in the earth where tectonic plates move against each other. That movement causes the ground to shake sometimes — sometimes small, sometimes big.
Experts say these smaller quakes, like the 3.7 one on Friday, aren’t unusual and kind of serve as a warning. It’s a reminder for everyone to stay ready for the possibility of a bigger earthquake sometime down the road.
Tips to Stay Safe When the Ground Shakes
If you live in a place like Southern California, it’s important to know what to do when the earth starts moving. Here’s what experts say:
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Drop to the ground, take cover under something sturdy, and hold on.
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Stay indoors if it’s safe, and get away from windows or anything heavy that could fall.
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Have an emergency kit ready with food, water, and first aid supplies.
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After shaking stops, check for gas leaks — if you smell gas, turn it off and get outside right away.
Wrapping Up
This recent 3.7 earthquake might not have been a big deal, but it’s a good reminder that California’s earthquake risk is real. It’s always smart to stay prepared, keep safety tips in mind, and not ignore the signs the earth gives us. Because when it comes to earthquakes, being ready is the best thing you can do.
