3.8-Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Southern California, Felt Widely by Residents

A 3.8-magnitude earthquake occurred in Southern California near Malibu, felt by over 700 residents. The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed it struck at 2:15 p.m. on November 22, 2024. Experts advise immediate safety measures during such events.

A magnitude 3.8 earthquake occurred in Southern California, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake, originating from a depth of over six miles, struck approximately four miles north of Malibu at 2:15 p.m. on November 22, 2024. More than 700 individuals from locations as distant as Irvine and Ventura reported feeling the seismic activity, with one individual commenting on a social media platform that they felt it significantly, fearing their ceiling fan might detach and fall.

Earthquakes are natural geological phenomena that result from the sudden release of energy in the Earth’s crust, creating seismic waves. Magnitude is measured on a scale that indicates the amount of energy released; in recent years, the moment magnitude scale has replaced the older Richter scale for this purpose. Earthquakes in the range of 2.5 to 5.4 are typically felt but cause limited damage. The regions most vulnerable to earthquakes include Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico, and Washington, as outlined by the Department of Homeland Security.

In summary, the recent 3.8-magnitude earthquake in Southern California serves as a reminder of the region’s seismic activity and the importance of preparedness. The event elicited widespread reports of feeling the tremor, highlighting the necessity for awareness and appropriate action during such occurrences. Observing safety protocols such as dropping, covering, and holding on can mitigate risks during earthquakes and their subsequent aftershocks.

Original Source: www.thestate.com