Tag: Earthquake

MALIBU—On Sunday, March 9, a 4.1 magnitude earthquake that struck the Westlake Village was felt in the city of Malibu.

The US Geological Survey reported the earthquake at 1:03 p.m., followed by 2.5, 3.0, 2.8 quakes within a few minutes. Minor earthquakes are a strong preparedness reminder; check your emergency supplies and review emergency plans.

As a reminder, the city of Malibu is informing the public to check the expiration dates of food, water, batteries and medication in your emergency supplies. Review earthquake insurance. If encountering or feeling an earthquake, DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON. For earthquake preparedness information specific to Malibu, see the City’s Emergency Survival Guide: www.MalibuCity.org/survivalguide. See USGS earthquake info: https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/map.

The National Weather Service forecast a series of rainstorms that will impact Malibu this coming week. Recent burn areas are at a higher risk of debris flows and water runoff that may contain hazardous substances. Get ready and take extra precautions:

-Drive with caution, keep headlights on. Watch for workers and work vehicles in the road

-Monitor local news for emergency information

-Pick up sandbags before anticipated rains

For a full list of sandbag distribution locations and tips, visit: www.pw.lacounty.gov/dsg/sandbags/.

By Trevor

MALIBU—On Saturday, February 15, a 3.7 magnitude earthquake struck California just seven miles northwest of Malibu. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the depth of the earthquake was 9 miles.

Floods and mudslides swamped with February 14 debris flow covered the fire-scarred earth burnt from wildfires that began on January 7. The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and multiple other areas had just hit the second phase of recovery efforts the debris removal when the mudslides hit.

It was three weeks ago, on January 24, that President Trump met with community leaders whose residents were devastated by fire. The President convinced local authorities to forego the normal permitting requirements. He then began to make arrangements for the Army Corps of Engineers to aid fire victims with debris removal.

It was January 28 before evacuation orders were first lifted. Phase One of removing toxic waste had begun.

On February 10, the Army Corps of Engineers began their work clearing debris. Weather authorities were already posting flash flood warnings for the area.

By February 15, the flooding and mudslides in the fire-scarred Pacific Palisades and Eaton areas flooded Sierra Madre in the foothills of San Gabriel Valley.

As it comes closer to the two-month anniversary since the wildfires began, recovery efforts in California continue with the added burden of flooding, mudslides, and an earthquake.

In the face of one natural disaster after another, Californians remained strong and turned out to help one another in relief efforts.

By Sharon

MALIBU—On Monday, September 16, the city of Malibu disclosed on its Facebook page that the region experienced a 3.7 earthquake at about 4:22 a.m., centered 3.75 miles north of Malibu in the Santa Monica Mountains, followed by a 2.8 aftershock at 7:05 a.m.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage. Individuals were informed to proceed with caution in Malibu Canyon, Kanan and other canyons, and beware of rocks in the road.

The City’s Public Works and Building Safety Departments immediately began assessing for damage. The city of Malibu is coordinating with partner agencies including LA County Fire Department, LA County Sheriff’s Department, LA County Public Works and Caltrans on damage assessment and response.

Minor earthquakes are a reminder for the public to review emergency supplies and review emergency plans to be prepared for earthquakes. Check the expiration dates of food, water, batteries and medication in your emergency supplies. If anyone feels an earthquake, DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON.

In September, for National Preparedness Month, the city is conducting weekly tests of its Everbridge disaster notification system, used for major emergencies that threaten lives and property, and for evacuations, with one test Thursday, Sept. 19, 5:30 p.m.

For earthquake preparedness information, see Malibu’s Emergency Survival Guide at: www.MalibuCity.org/survivalguide.

By Trevor

MALIBU—On Thursday, September 12, a 4.7 magnitude earthquake was reported in Southern Los Angeles. The United States Geological Survey reported the earthquake 7 kilometers north of Malibu after 7:28 a.m. Data from the USGS indicate the quake was 7.2 miles deep. An aftershock transpired 2 minutes later.

Other cities that may have felt the quake include Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley and parts of Ventura. Other cities include Santa Monica and the Hollywood Hills.

According to reports, there were several aftershocks after the earthquake with magnitudes of 2.8, 2.4, 2.1, 1.8 and 1.5. There were no reports of any injurie or major damage as a result of the earthquake.

An earthquake is the result of seismic activity in the Earth. Earthquakes are the result of the sudden release of energy in the lithosphere that causes seismic waves.

One of the most dangerous earthquakes in California was in 1906 when the ‘Great Quake’ devastated the city of San Francisco. The other being the 1994 earthquake that took place in Northridge, causing significant damage to Southern California.

By Trevor

MALIBU—A 1.8 magnitude earthquake was reported 8.7mi WNW of Malibu on Tuesday, December 12. The earthquake was reported at 07:59:53 UTC per the United States Geological Survey.

There were no reports of any damage in the region, but the quake could also be felt in the following cities: Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills and Camarillo.

The number of stations that reported the seismic activity was 42 and it had a minimum distance of 5.2 kilometers.

Earthquakes have the potential to cause significant damage to property and injuries to humans with high magnitudes. If ever in the presence of an earthquake, individuals are advised to drop, cover and hold-on.

The USGS reports on its website to do the following if ever in the midst of an earthquake:

•  If you are INDOORS — STAY THERE! Get under a desk or table and hang on to it (Drop, Cover, and Hold on!) or move into a hallway or against an inside wall. STAY CLEAR of windows, fireplaces, and heavy furniture or appliances. GET OUT of the kitchen, which is a dangerous place (things can fall on you). DON’T run downstairs or rush outside while the building is shaking or while there is danger of falling and hurting yourself or being hit by falling glass or debris.
• If you are OUTSIDE — get into the OPEN, away from buildings, power lines, chimneys, and anything else that might fall on you.
• If you are DRIVING — stop, but carefully. Move your car as far out of traffic as possible. DO NOT stop on or under a bridge or overpass or under trees, light posts, power lines, or signs. STAY INSIDE your car until the shaking stops. When you RESUME driving, watch for breaks in the pavement, fallen rocks, and bumps in the road at bridge approaches.
• If you are in a MOUNTAINOUS AREA — watch out for falling rock, landslides, trees, and other debris that could be loosened by quakes.
• If you are near the OCEAN – see these safety rules from NOAA’s Tsunami Warning Center.

The state of California participates in the Great Shakeout Earthquake Drills each year.

By Trevor

MALIBU—The city of Malibu will participate in the “Drop, Cover and Hold On” for the Great ShakeOut, the world’s largest simultaneous earthquake preparedness drill on Thursday, October 19, at 10:19 a.m.

The public is encouraged to join the exercise in person at Malibu City Hall or conduct the drill independently, at their home, business, school, house of worship or community-based organization. Anyone at Malibu City Hall at the time of the event is asked to join the city staff for the drill and “Drop Cover and Hold On” which is the safest immediate response to an earthquake.

“A major earthquake can strike at any time and would have severe impacts to Malibu’s community, homes, infrastructure, daily lives and economy. Everyone in Malibu should be prepared for an earthquake and its aftermath, and have emergency plans and supplies to last for several days, including food, water, first aid, and medications – don’t forget your pets,” the city of Malibu indicated in a statement.

For more earthquake preparedness resources visit: www.earthquakecountry.org/sevensteps.

By Trevor