A 3.9-magnitude earthquake struck Los Angeles early Sunday, rattling parts of Burbank, North Hollywood, and central L.A. just days ahead of the Academy Awards ceremony. While the tremor was relatively minor, it briefly startled residents and led to an outpouring of reactions online.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake’s epicenter was near Burbank, with a depth of 8.5 miles. The Daily Mail noted that several Hollywood celebrities staying in the area for the upcoming Oscars took to social media, joking about the “dramatic” timing of the quake.
Local emergency response teams reported no injuries or major structural damage, and public transit systems continued operating normally. However, the tremor served as a reminder of California’s seismic activity, prompting some to revisit their earthquake preparedness plans.
Newsweek reported that while earthquakes of this magnitude are common in Southern California, this one caught attention due to its proximity to Hollywood and the high-profile events scheduled in the coming days.
Some residents near the San Fernando Valley reported brief power flickers and swaying light fixtures, but there were no reports of broken infrastructure or major disruptions. Officials reassured the public that L.A. remains well-prepared for seismic events, thanks to strict building codes and early warning systems.
Despite the lighthearted social media reactions, seismologists at Caltech emphasized that even small quakes should not be ignored, as they could indicate movement along larger fault lines. Experts continue to monitor for aftershocks, though none significant have been recorded.
The earthquake is one of several minor tremors recorded in California this year, reinforcing the importance of earthquake preparedness. Emergency officials recommend securing loose items, identifying safe zones in homes, and keeping an emergency kit readily available.
