Powerful earthquake tremors rattle renowned Malibu leisure spot, situated close to Los Angeles.
Los Angeles, already dealing with wildfires, now faces an additional challenge with an earthquake. The seismic activity had its focus in the upscale area of Malibu, causing prominent figures such as Paris Hilton and Khloé Kardashian to voice their concerns.
The earthquake struck close to Malibu, with reports indicating a magnitude of 4.7 on the Richter scale, according to the media. Situated at a depth of 11 km, the quake was felt around 70 km away in Orange County, as per the U.S. Geological Survey.
No immediate injuries or substantial damage were reported following the event. Numerous celebrities utilized the social media platform X to share their thoughts on the matter. Paris Hilton expressed her terror, saying, "The earthquake was intense," while Khloé Kardashian posted, "That was a major shake."
The region has witnessed several earthquakes during this year. An earthquake of strength 4.4 in August was felt from Greater Los Angeles all the way to San Diego. Buildings shook, dishes rattled, and car alarms were triggered during the event.
Rene Vasquez, the manager of "The Country Kitchen" breakfast restaurant in Malibu, described the earthquake as lasting for several seconds. The staff members reluctantly stepped outside as a precautionary measure, and no apparent damage was incurred. Vasquez commented, "It wasn't too severe."
Wildfire woes ongoing
The region is simultaneously struggling with three significant wildfires near Los Angeles, which have destroyed multiple homes and compelled thousands to evacuate. Wildfires are an annual phenomenon in California, often triggered by arson.
The thick smog caused by these wildfires has been attributed to more than 52,000 fatalities in the Los Angeles region over the last ten years, as per a study conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles. This count is astronomically higher than the number of casualties directly attributable to wildfires according to the published study.
The earthquake's impact on the wildfires in Los Angeles is a concern of great interest. The seismic activity could potentially shift the fire lines or create new ones, of which the extent is yet to be fully understood.
The thick smog caused by the wildfires has been linked to several health issues, with the study revealing that the smog is responsible for over 52,000 fatalities in Los Angeles over the past decade, a significantly higher number than direct wildfire casualties reported.
