By Belize Live News Staff: Los Angeles experienced a 4.7 magnitude earthquake early Thursday morning, sending tremors through much of the city and nearby areas. The quake, which was centered just 4 miles north of Malibu and about 7 miles below the surface, triggered a rockslide onto a road in Malibu, visibly shook the iconic Santa Monica Pier, and jolted many residents out of bed. Thankfully, no injuries or significant damages were immediately reported.
The earthquake’s effects were felt as far as 45 miles away in Orange County, where residents noted items shifting in their homes. Several smaller aftershocks followed the main event, though none appeared to cause major disturbances.
Seismologist Lucy Jones from the California Institute of Technology explained that the quake occurred closest to the Malibu fault and was also near the Anacapa fault. She described it as a typical Southern California earthquake, noting that tremors below magnitude 5.0 are usually too small to be definitively linked to large surface faults.
Footage from a live camera at the 115-year-old Santa Monica Pier, located about 12 miles from Malibu, showed several seconds of intense shaking. Local news outlets also captured the event live as studio cameras shook during morning broadcasts.
The Belize diaspora residing in Los Angeles likely felt the early morning tremors, adding a moment of concern to their daily routines.
While authorities continue to survey the area for potential damage, officials report that no major issues have been found thus far. The earthquake stands as yet another “garden-variety” tremor in a state known for its frequent seismic activity.
Stay tuned to Belize Live News for updates on any developments in the region.
