LOS ANGELES, CA – A magnitude 3.6 earthquake struck offshore near Hermosa Beach Sunday morning, September 27, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, with shaking reported across portions of Los Angeles County.
The earthquake occurred at approximately 8:40 a.m., with the epicenter located about 6 kilometers, or roughly 3.7 miles, west-southwest of Hermosa Beach. The USGS placed the earthquake at a depth of approximately 11.9 kilometers, or 7.4 miles.
The event was initially reported as magnitude 3.5 in preliminary information before the USGS earthquake catalog listed it at magnitude 3.6. The latest USGS listing identifies the event as a 3.6-magnitude earthquake.
Earthquake felt across the Los Angeles area
Although the earthquake was relatively small, residents in communities along the South Bay and other parts of the Los Angeles region reported feeling the shaking.
USGS data showed hundreds of public reports in the hours after the earthquake, with reports continuing to accumulate as residents submitted information about what they experienced.
The location offshore meant the earthquake was centered beneath the Pacific Ocean rather than directly beneath Hermosa Beach or another populated South Bay community.
The earthquake was also relatively shallow compared with much deeper seismic events, with its depth listed at approximately 11.9 kilometers.
No significant damage immediately reported
There were no immediate reports of significant damage or injuries associated with the earthquake.
The Los Angeles County emergency preparedness program maintains a live earthquake activity map based on USGS data and provides guidance for residents before, during and after seismic activity.
For a magnitude 3.6 earthquake, noticeable shaking can occur near the epicenter without producing widespread structural damage. However, the impact of any earthquake can vary depending on distance from the epicenter, building construction, ground conditions and the location of people when the shaking occurs.
What Los Angeles County recommends during an earthquake
The county’s emergency preparedness guidance recommends that people who are indoors drop, cover and hold on rather than immediately running outside during shaking.
Residents inside buildings are advised to remain indoors during the shaking and protect themselves beneath a sturdy table or desk when one is available. People should also avoid standing near windows or objects that could fall.
The county also advises drivers to pull over and stop in a safe location away from buildings, trees, overpasses, underpasses and utility lines if an earthquake occurs while they are driving.
For residents near the coast, the county has additional guidance because earthquakes can potentially be associated with tsunami hazards. The Ready LA County earthquake guidance advises people near the shore to move inland or to higher ground if severe shaking lasts 20 seconds or longer.
Earthquake preparedness remains a concern in Southern California
Sunday’s earthquake is a reminder of the region’s ongoing exposure to seismic activity. Los Angeles County describes Southern California as earthquake country and maintains preparedness resources designed to help residents respond to larger events.
The county recommends maintaining emergency supplies, establishing a family communication plan and identifying safe locations inside a home or workplace.
Its preparedness guidance also recommends securing heavy furniture, televisions and other objects that could fall during an earthquake. Residents are encouraged to keep emergency supplies available and understand how to shut off household utilities if necessary.
The Los Angeles County Emergency Management program coordinates disaster preparedness across the county and works with cities and other agencies on emergency planning.
For the latest information about this earthquake and other seismic events, the USGS earthquake monitoring system provides updated earthquake locations, magnitudes and depths.
As of the latest available information Sunday, the magnitude 3.6 earthquake near Hermosa Beach had not been associated with significant damage or injuries.
