A magnitude 4.1 earthquake centered north of Malibu shook Southern California on March 10, 2025, at 1:03 p.m. The tremor was felt across various regions including Malibu, Agoura Hills, and downtown Los Angeles, with reports indicating light shaking that rattled dishes and windows.
- Magnitude 4.1 earthquake near Malibu
- Light shaking felt across Southern California
- No immediate reports of damage reported
- Multiple aftershocks followed the main quake
- Highest annual total of moderate quakes since 65 years
- Experts caution against predicting major earthquakes
The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the earthquake’s epicenter was in the Santa Monica Mountains, approximately three miles northwest of El Matador State Beach. It occurred just seven miles southwest of Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village. Residents experienced varying sensations; for example, those in Westlake Village felt a rolling shake lasting about five seconds while others described it as a long rumble or gentle sway.
Following the initial quake, there were minor aftershocks: a magnitude 2.5 occurred one minute later at 1:04 p.m., followed by magnitudes of 3.0 and 2.8 shortly thereafter at around 1:07 p.m. Despite these seismic activities, officials from local fire stations reported no damage or injuries associated with the earthquakes.
- The quake affected areas from Goleta to Huntington Beach.
- This event marked the first magnitude 4 earthquake in Southern California for the year.
- In total, Southern California experienced fifteen seismic sequences with quakes of magnitude four or higher throughout all of 2024.
Experts caution that recent earthquakes do not necessarily indicate when a larger quake might occur in the future. Seismologist Susan Hough noted that patterns observed in smaller quakes have not reliably predicted larger seismic events historically.
This recent earthquake serves as a reminder of Southern California’s ongoing seismic activity and highlights the importance of being prepared for potential future events.
