“Shaken Awake”: Earthquake Rattles Los Angeles, Followed By Multiple Aftershocks

A preliminary 4.2-magnitude earthquake rattled people awake across Los Angeles Wednesday morning. 

The quake struck around 0200 local time and was centered offshore about 10 miles south of Malibu Beach and west of Los Angeles, at a depth of 9.2 miles, according to USGS.

M4.2 #earthquake 28mi WSW of #LosAngeles, CA at 02:00am. 10mi S of Malibu Beach, CA — https://t.co/X45NAO5W0M pic.twitter.com/t1PiH1n1cK

— LA Earthquakes (@LA_Earthquakes) January 25, 2023

Three minutes later, another quake struck with a 3.5 magnitude aftershock. At 0222 and 0238 local time, two progressively weaker aftershocks were recorded. 

The quakes prompted the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) to enter "Earthquake Mode." Crews surveyed all major "areas of concern" across the metro area and found "no damage or injuries." 

However, social media was flooded with comments by residents who were jolted awake by the quakes. 

Around 2 a.m., I was shaken awake by a 4.2. There have been three aftershocks since: 3.5, 2.8 and 2.6. Only the first two quakes were felt significantly in The South Bay.#Earthquake #California #SouthernCalifornia #LosAngeles #SouthBay #BeachLife pic.twitter.com/HfxEwyPAYg

— Geri Mars (@GeriMars) January 25, 2023

Wide awake after #earthquake and an aftershock in #LosAngeles

— Sallie Olmsted (@Salliemeta) January 25, 2023

All of Los Angeles is awake now lmao

— not jen (@heeey_jen) January 25, 2023

Just got jolted awake by a quick but powerful #earthquake. I am in San Pedro (Los Angeles)

— Rick Nuthman (@nuthman) January 25, 2023

For years, seismologists have warned the public that Southern California is long overdue for a massive earthquake.