An earthquake with an epicenter in the Malibu area caused tremors across much of Southern California from the coast to inland on Thursday morning.
The quake’s initial magnitude of 5.1 was soon downgraded to 4.7. Aftershocks of magnitude 2.8, 2.4, 1.8, 1.5 and 2.1 followed. More aftershocks are possible in the coming hours and days.
The 7:28 a.m. earthquake centered north of Malibu was reported in Malibu, Hermosa Beach, La Mirada, Anaheim, Santa Monica, the Hollywood Hills and parts of the San Fernando Valley. Shallow earthquakes, those between 0 and 40 miles deep, are more likely to be felt.
There were no immediate reports of injuries or significant damage.
Trains in the Los Angeles subway system are being slowed down to check for damage, standard procedure after an earthquake.
Southern California has experienced several earthquakes in recent weeks, including a magnitude 5.2 quake south of Bakersfield.
“We have earthquakes. None of them have been destructive. They have all been small,” said seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones. “It’s a really good reminder that the calm of the last few decades is not a picture of our long-term trajectory.”
