Wed Mar 12 06:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Light Shaking Hits Southern California After Magnitude 4.1 Earthquake Near Malibu
**Los Angeles, CA** – A magnitude 4.1 earthquake struck north of Malibu on Sunday afternoon, causing light shaking across much of Southern California. The quake, which hit at 1:03 p.m., was felt as far south as Huntington Beach and as far north as Goleta, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
The strongest shaking, described as “light” on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale, was reported in Malibu, Agoura Hills, Thousand Oaks, and Camarillo. Residents described feeling a rolling sensation, a steady shake, or a long rumble. Dishes and windows rattled in some areas, with the shaking felt like a truck hitting a building in some instances.
The initial quake was followed by a magnitude 2.5 aftershock a minute later, and additional magnitude 3 and 2.8 aftershocks at 1:07 p.m. Despite the widespread shaking, there were no immediate reports of damage. Fire stations in Malibu reported feeling the quake but receiving no damage reports.
The epicenter was located in the Santa Monica Mountains, about three miles northwest of El Matador State Beach. Seismologist Lucy Jones noted that this was the first magnitude 4 earthquake in Southern California so far in 2025. She also highlighted that Southern California experienced a record-high 15 seismic sequences with at least one magnitude 4 or higher earthquake in 2024 – the highest annual total in 65 years.
Experts, however, cautioned that this recent seismic activity doesn’t offer any clearer predictions about the timing of a larger, potentially devastating earthquake. Seismologist Susan Hough of the USGS reiterated previous statements that efforts to predict major quakes based on smaller tremors have historically been unsuccessful.
First Piper 