3.2-magnitude earthquake rattles Southern California as it strikes off the coast

Daniella Segura
·2 min read
7

A 3.2-magnitude earthquake shook Southern California as it hit off the coast, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.

The nearly 7-mile deep quake struck off the coast of Ventura County about 12 miles northwest of Oxnard at 1:24 p.m. Tuesday, May 30, according to USGS. The epicenter was just offshore of Point Mugu.

More than 150 people from as far away as Santa Barbara and Hermosa Beach reported feeling the tremor to the agency.

“Just had a quick jolt in Ventura County,” one Twitter user shared.

Magnitude measures the energy released at the source of the earthquake, the U.S. Geological Survey says. It replaces the old Richter scale.

Quakes between 2.5 and 5.4 magnitude are often felt but rarely cause much damage, according to Michigan Tech. Quakes below 2.5 magnitude are seldom felt by most people.

Earthquakes’ sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches. They can happen anywhere, but they’re most common in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico and Washington, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

If an earthquake strikes, it’s best to protect yourself right away. Here are tips from experts:

  • If you’re in a car: Pull over and stop. Set your parking brake.

  • If you’re in bed: Turn face-down and cover your head with a pillow.

  • If you’re outdoors: Stay away from buildings. Don’t go inside.

  • If you’re inside: Stay and don’t run outdoors. Stay away from doorways.

The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say.

“Wherever you are, drop down to your hands and knees and hold onto something sturdy,” officials say. “If you’re using a wheelchair or walker with a seat, make sure your wheels are locked and remain seated until the shaking stops.”

Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible. If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.

Once under a table, officials say you should hold on with one hand and be ready to move with it.

“There can be serious hazards after an earthquake, such as damage to the building, leaking gas and water lines, or downed power lines,” officials say. “Expect aftershocks to follow the main shock of an earthquake. Be ready to Drop, Cover, and Hold On if you feel an aftershock.”

‘Whole building just shook.’ 3.3-magnitude quake rattles Malibu and Southern California

Big quake on Northern California coast follows cluster of smaller tremors farther south

3.6-magnitude quake rattles Point Arena on California coast, seismologists say