An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 3.2 rattled Southern California on Saturday, shaking homes and businesses across the region.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake struck around 2:38 p.m. approximately 5.5 miles west of Malibu.
As of 2:48 p.m., there were no reports of damage or injuries.
Saturday’s tremor comes amid a recent barrage of quakes in the Malibu area, including a 4.7 magnitude earthquake just two weeks ago.
Seismologists, including Dr. Lucy Jones, say that there is no such thing as “patterns” for earthquakes and that an increase in movement is simply a coincidence.
“Yes we are feeling [more quakes this year] but it’s not yet statistically significant,” Jones said in a news conference Thursday. “Seismologists look for patterns — everybody looks for patterns — that’s why we have myths of earthquake weather and animals and all of these things are us trying to form a pattern of what is inherently a random distribution.”
This is a developing story. Stay with KTLA 5 News for updates.
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What to do in an earthquake
During an earthquake, it’s crucial to know the proper steps to protect yourself and minimize injury. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) provides detailed guidelines on what to do during such events. Here are the key points:
Drop, Cover, and Hold On:
Drop: Immediately drop down onto your hands and knees. This position prevents you from being knocked over and allows you to stay low and crawl to safety if necessary.
Cover: Use one arm to protect your head and neck, and if possible, take shelter under a sturdy table or desk. If no shelter is available, get down next to an interior wall away from windows. Stay on your knees and bend over to protect vital organs.
Hold On: Hold on to your shelter until the shaking stops. Be prepared to move with your shelter if it shifts.
Thousands of earthquakes are recorded in California annually, but the vast majority are incredibly minor. Several hundred reach a magnitude of 3.0, and only about 15 to 20 reach a magnitude of 4.0 or greater, according to the USGS.
In North America, only Alaska records more quakes per year than California.
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