A Swarm of Earthquakes Shakes Southern California’s Coastline

Earthquake graph image by Vecteezy.com

On Sunday, a series of small but noticeable earthquakes rattled waters off Catalina Island, unsettling residents along the Southern California coast. The most significant quake registered at a magnitude of 3.6, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), reminding Californians of the unpredictable nature of seismic activity in the region.

The first tremor, a 3.1 magnitude quake, occurred at 4:11 p.m., located about 34 miles southwest of Dana Point and San Clemente, and just under 30 miles off Catalina Island. It was followed by a smaller aftershock of 2.5 magnitude just four minutes later. Then, at 5:32 p.m., a stronger 3.6 magnitude quake hit the same area.

Though the depth of the quakes—roughly 3.5 miles below the surface—meant there was minimal risk of severe damage, the event serves as a reminder of Southern California’s vulnerability to seismic activity. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries from these quakes, which, while unsettling, were within the range of common tremors for the region.

What to Do During an Earthquake

With thousands of quakes occurring each year in California, most are minor, but it only takes one significant event to cause widespread damage. It’s crucial to know what to do when the ground starts shaking. Experts recommend these steps:

1. Drop: Get down on your hands and knees to prevent being knocked over and to maintain stability.

2. Cover: Protect your head and neck with one arm, and if possible, crawl under a sturdy piece of furniture. If no shelter is available, crouch next to an interior wall away from windows.

3. Hold On: Hold on to your shelter until the shaking stops. If the furniture moves, be prepared to move with it.

California is second only to Alaska in the number of annual earthquakes in North America. While most are minor, the occasional stronger quakes serve as a reminder to remain prepared and vigilant in the face of this natural phenomenon.

Though the quakes off Catalina this past weekend were not disastrous, they offer a sobering reminder of how quickly the earth can shift, and how critical it is to know the proper safety steps when it does.

Source: KTLA