LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A magnitude 3.9 earthquake rattled the North Hollywood area on Sunday night, March 2, 2025, at approximately 10:13 p.m., according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake struck about 1.4 miles east-southeast of North Hollywood, with tremors felt across the greater Los Angeles area, including Burbank and even parts of Orange and Ventura counties.
The earthquake occurred at a depth of nearly 10 miles, which contributed to the shaking felt by residents. More than 8,000 people reported feeling the tremors through the USGS' "Did You Feel It?" service, with reports of shaking reaching as far east as Lancaster and Victorville, and as far south as northern Orange County.
Despite the widespread sensations of shaking, no significant injuries or damage have been reported. The Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman announced they would not enter "Earthquake Mode," which is typically activated to assess damage and coordinate emergency responses, indicating no infrastructure issues required immediate attention.
According to Lucy Jones, renowned seismologist and early advocate for public earthquake preparedness, "Too small to definitively assign to any fault, but the closest is the Hollywood fault. Yawn. Nothing much to say about an earthquake in earthquake country." Her remarks resonate with many Californians who experience minor shocks regularly due to the state's active geological environment.
Inside the KCAL News studio located in Studio City, both producers and staff reported feeling the shaking as well. A North Hollywood resident shared their experience, saying, "It was so scary. I heard some noise, and after the ground was shaking very hard. ... I was very, like, chill, but we were surprised. We kept drinking and enjoying our night." This highlights how, for many, earthquakes have become part of the normal Californian routine.
California is no stranger to seismic activity; the state logs hundreds of tremors each year. The Greater Los Angeles area regularly experiences approximately five earthquakes with magnitudes ranging from 3.0 to 4.0 annually, statistics indicate. The earthquake on Sunday night adds to the list of minor events occurring this year, point to California's persistent seismic activity.
Seismologists have established California sits on more than 500 active faults, many of which lie close to populous areas. The region's unique geological formations are to blame for its regular tremors, with the Hollywood fault being one of the closest to the recent quake's epicenter.
The intensity of shaking felt is often determined by several variables, including the earthquake's depth, distance from the epicenter, and local geological features. Tremors classified as "light shaking," like those felt during the March 2 quake, often disturb dishes and windows but rarely result in significant structural damage.
While no catastrophic impacts emerged from this latest quake, it serves as a reminder of California's vulnerability to seismic activity. The earthquake history records indicate the state could very likely be due for a larger seismic event, commonly referred to as the "Big One." Elizabeth Cochran with the USGS Earthquake Science Center has expressed concerns, stating, "Overall, Southern California has a 36 percent chance of a M7.5 or greater earthquake in the next 30 years."
With California being branded as "earthquake country," residents are often encouraged to take proactive steps toward emergency preparedness. The recent magnitude 3.9 earthquake emphasizes the need for such practices, prompting discussions on how individuals and families can mitigate risks associated with seismic events. Local agencies and organizations advocate for readiness, offering resources and tips for developing emergency plans and assembling supplies.
Interestingly, many residents continue to share their stories, acknowledging the frequency of minor quakes and the common acceptance of their occurrence. Often viewed as triggers for bolstering community efforts toward seismic safety, events like the March 2 quake affirm the experience many Californians have come to understand as part of life in this vibrant and dynamic state.
For some, these minor quakes serve merely as reminders of the importance of staying informed and prepared. With California's seismic risks continually present, experts encourage individuals to stay aware and proactive to handle potential situations effectively.