Malibu Rocked by 3.9 Magnitude Earthquake One Week After Stronger Quake

MALIBU, Calif. — A magnitude 3.9 earthquake struck the Malibu area on Sunday evening at 8:17 p.m., according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The epicenter was located approximately six miles northwest of Malibu, at a depth of 8.9 miles.

This seismic event follows a sequence of recent quakes, including a magnitude 4.1 tremor just a day earlier and a 3.3-magnitude quake reported the previous Monday. Residents in nearby Thousand Oaks felt light but prolonged shaking, with some describing it as ‘a pretty good rattle.’ No injuries or significant damage have been reported following this latest quake.

Lucy Jones, a seismologist and research associate at Caltech, noted that Southern California has seen an increase in moderate earthquakes since 2024, with 15 seismic sequences last year featuring quakes of magnitude 4.0 or greater—the highest annual total in over 60 years. The Malibu area has experienced three earthquakes exceeding magnitude 4 in the past 13 months.

Sheriff’s Sgt. Joseph De Mel reported that while the tremor rattled the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department station in Agoura Hills, it was ‘not all that violent.’ Emergency officials have confirmed no damage resulted from the quake.

As of 9:15 p.m. local time, reports of weak shaking reached as far south as Long Beach and as far north as Oxnard, along with scattered reports near downtown Los Angeles. The earthquake’s epicenter was approximately four miles from Westlake Village, seven miles from Agoura Hills, and nine miles from Oak Park.

Data indicates that, on average, the Greater Los Angeles area experiences five earthquakes with magnitudes ranging from 3.0 to 4.0 each year. In the past decade, there have been two earthquakes with magnitudes above 3.0 centered in the area.

In light of increased seismic activity, experts are urging residents to prepare for potential future quakes. The City of San Diego has published guidance on safety measures to take before, during, and after an earthquake. Residents are advised to identify safe spots in their homes and prepare disaster kits containing emergency supplies.

Looking ahead, some experts predict a significant quake could impact Southern California. Dr. Pat Abbott, a geology professor emeritus at San Diego State University, stated, ‘We cannot predict earthquakes, but geologically, we are overdue for a magnitude 7.8 quake on the Salton Sea.’ He added that while significant destruction could occur, it would likely not match the devastation seen from recent earthquakes in Turkey, which resulted in thousands of casualties.

As residents in and around Malibu reflect on the recent seismic activity, experts continue to emphasize the importance of preparedness and awareness in the event of future earthquakes.