Southern California is known for its beautiful beaches, majestic mountains, and Hollywood, but it's also famous for earthquakes. Despite many active faults, the region has been relatively quiet for years. However, recent moderate quakes, including a 4.4-magnitude quake under Pasadena and a 4.7-magnitude quake near Malibu, have raised concerns about the potential for a larger earthquake.
Experts like Kate Scharer from the US Geological Survey and Robert de Groot from ShakeAlert caution that while moderate quakes don’t always lead to bigger ones, Southern California is overdue for a large earthquake. The region’s complex fault systems, like the Sierra Madre and San Andreas, are capable of producing magnitude-7 earthquakes, and history shows that major quakes can cause catastrophic damage.
Residents clean up in the Van Nuys neighborhood following the 1994 Northridge earthquake in Los Angeles on January 17, 1994. Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images
In light of this, experts urge preparedness. Scharer emphasizes the importance of having water, food, and medicine for at least three days. Additionally, residents are encouraged to help their communities by forming local response plans. With tools like the ShakeAlert early warning system, people can get a few crucial seconds of warning before the shaking begins. As October 17th marks the Great ShakeOut, it’s a reminder for everyone to stay prepared and not become complacent.
