A magnitude 3.9 earthquake shook the Malibu area on Sunday night at 8:17 p.m., according to the U.S. Geological Survey. This quake struck less than a mile from Malibu, just a week after a slightly stronger 4.1 magnitude earthquake rattled the same region. Residents in nearby Thousand Oaks reported feeling light but noticeable shaking that lasted about 10 seconds.
The earthquake occurred at a depth of 8.9 miles, and it was felt as far away as Long Beach to the south and Oxnard to the north. People in downtown Los Angeles also reported experiencing some tremors. In Agoura Hills, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department station felt the quake but reported no significant damage or injuries.
This recent quake is part of a trend of moderate seismic activity in Southern California. Since 2024, the region has seen an increase in earthquakes, with 15 sequences last year that included at least one quake of magnitude 4 or higher—the highest total in over 60 years. In the past 13 months, Malibu has experienced three earthquakes larger than magnitude 4.
Experts, including seismologist Lucy Jones, have noted that the uptick in seismic activity is unusual but not entirely unexpected for the area known for its geological instability. With the recent quakes, residents are reminded to be prepared for potential larger earthquakes in the future.
As of now, no major damage has been reported from the latest quake, but officials encourage residents to stay vigilant and report any unusual seismic activity.