Early Morning Quake Jolts Malibu and Surrounding Areas

A 4.7 magnitude earthquake struck near Malibu, California, causing minor disruptions but no major damages or injuries. The tremor, felt as far as 45 miles away, prompted seismic activity discussions. Officials and residents shared their experiences, noting it as one of several recent quakes in the region.

A 4.7 magnitude earthquake rattled the Los Angeles area early Thursday morning, causing boulders to fall onto a Malibu road and visibly shaking Santa Monica's historic pier. While the quake jolted many from their sleep, authorities reported no immediate injuries or major damages.

According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake was centered 4 miles north of Malibu and occurred about 7 miles below the surface. The shaking was felt as far as 45 miles away in Orange County, with residents reporting minor movements of household items. Several aftershocks followed the initial quake.

The earthquake was closest to the Malibu fault but also near the Anacapa fault, noted seismologist Lucy Jones from the California Institute of Technology. Despite the force of the quake, it was classified as a typical Southern California tremor, too small to be linked to surface faults.

Live camera footage from the 115-year-old Santa Monica Pier captured the quake's intensity, and local news broadcasts also recorded the shaking. A cleanup crew was dispatched to clear large boulders from Malibu Canyon Road.

Malibu Councilmember Bruce Silverstein, who has lived in the area for 13 years, described the quake as the strongest yet but noted no breakages. Local businesses and residents, including notable celebrities, shared their accounts on social media, with some crediting the state's early warning system for alerts.

This seismic event adds to a series of quakes felt in the region recently. The year has seen an unusually high number of magnitude 4.0 earthquakes in Southern California, raising questions about potential changes in seismic activity patterns.

(With inputs from agencies.)