Malibu quake is 14th earthquake sequence of magnitude 4.0 this year - the most since 1988

A recent Malibu quake which was the 14th earthquake sequence of magnitude 4.0 this year, matches the total from the previous 12 months and is the most earthquake activity of this size since 1988.

The US Geological Survey recorded the earthquake on Saturday morning at 6.18am. It had an epicentre 35 miles west of Malibu and was magnitude 4.1 and hit at a depth of about 9 miles.

The quake comes after a series of smaller quakes in the area in recent weeks. On August 26, a magnitude 3.6 earthquake struck about 20 miles west of Malibu. And on September 4, a magnitude 3.2 earthquake hit about 10 miles west of Malibu.

While the recent earthquakes have caused some damage, there have been no reports of injuries. However, the quakes have raised concerns about the potential for a larger earthquake in the area. The Malibu area is located on the San Andreas Fault, one of the most active seismic faults in the world.

“We are not saying that a major earthquake is imminent, but we are saying that the chances of one have increased,” said seismologist Lucy Jones. “We encourage people to be prepared for an earthquake.”

There are a number of things that people can do to prepare for an earthquake, including:

• Having a plan in place for what to do if an earthquake strikes.
• Keeping a supply of food and water on hand.
• Securing heavy objects in your home.
• Knowing how to turn off your gas and electricity.

For more information on earthquake preparedness, visit the website of the California Geological Survey.