Magnitude 3.9 earthquake rattles Malibu, metro L.A. area

An earthquake with a magnitude 3.9 rattled Malibu and the surrounding areas Sunday night, the United States Geological Survey.

The quake struck at around 8:17 p.m. a little more than 7 miles west northwest of Malibu at a depth of 14 kilometers or around 8.5 miles and a little less than 8 miles south southwest of Thousand Oaks.

Residents in Calabasas, Thousand Oaks, Agoura, Moorpark and others felt significant movement, according to preliminary reports.

KTLA California Interactive Earthquake Map

So far, there have been no reports of any injuries or damage to property.

This story is a developing story. Hit refresh for additional details.

Thousands of earthquakes are recorded in California annually, but the vast majority are incredibly minor. Several hundred reach a magnitude of 3.0, and only about 15 to 20 reach a magnitude of 4.0 or greater, according to the USGS.   

In North America, only Alaska records more quakes per year than California. 

What to do in an earthquake

During an earthquake, knowing the proper steps to protect yourself and minimize injury is crucial. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) provides detailed guidelines on what to do during such events. Here are the key points:

Drop, Cover, and Hold On:

Drop: Immediately drop down onto your hands and knees. This position prevents you from being knocked over and allows you to stay low and crawl to safety if necessary.

Cover: Use one arm to protect your head and neck, and if possible, take shelter under a sturdy table or desk. If no shelter is available, get down next to an interior wall away from windows. Stay on your knees and bend over to protect vital organs.

Hold On: Hold on to your shelter until the shaking stops. Be prepared to move with your shelter if it shifts.