Quick Read
- A 3.5 magnitude earthquake struck off Rancho Palos Verdes, near Los Angeles, on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 9:40 p.m. PT.
- The quake’s epicenter was 14 miles SSW of Rancho Palos Verdes, near Catalina Island, at a depth of 6.7-6.8 miles.
- It was felt across Los Angeles County, Orange County, Long Beach, and Inglewood, according to USGS reports.
- No immediate reports of damage or injuries were associated with the tremor.
- This was the third earthquake in Southern California within the past week, following a 3.0 magnitude near Port Hueneme and a 2.9 magnitude near Malibu.
LOS ANGELES (Azat TV) – A moderate 3.5 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Rancho Palos Verdes, near Los Angeles, late on Sunday, February 22, 2026, marking the third seismic event in Southern California within the past week. The tremor, which occurred in a densely populated area, has amplified public awareness and reiterated the critical importance of robust emergency preparedness measures in the seismically active region.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake was detected at approximately 9:40 p.m. Pacific Time. Its epicenter was located about 14 miles south-southwest of Rancho Palos Verdes in the Pacific Ocean, near Catalina Island, at a depth of roughly 6.7 to 6.8 miles.
Details of the Rancho Palos Verdes Earthquake
The 3.5 magnitude quake, while not considered severe, was widely felt across a significant portion of Southern California. Reports submitted through the USGS’s ‘Did You Feel It?’ application map indicated that residents felt the shaking along the Orange County coast south of Huntington Beach, in Long Beach, and extending north into Inglewood and various parts of Los Angeles County. Some reports also came from as far east as northern Orange County near Fullerton.
Despite the widespread sensation, authorities have confirmed there were no immediate reports of injuries or significant structural damage in the Rancho Palos Verdes area or elsewhere. This lack of immediate harm is often the case with quakes of this magnitude, but the event serves as a stark reminder of the region’s susceptibility to seismic activity, as reported by NBC Palm Springs and CBS News Los Angeles.
Increased Seismic Activity Near Los Angeles
This recent tremor is particularly noteworthy as it follows two other smaller but significant earthquakes that occurred off the Southern California coast in the preceding week. The USGS had previously reported a 3.0 magnitude incident approximately 11 miles southeast of Port Hueneme in Ventura County and a 2.9 magnitude temblor four miles west of Malibu.
The clustering of these events, though not necessarily indicative of a larger impending quake, naturally heightens public concern and prompts renewed discussions about earthquake readiness. Real-time earthquake trackers, such as those provided by the USGS, offer immediate data on magnitude, depth, and location, playing a crucial role in informing the public and emergency services promptly after an event.
Los Angeles: Prioritizing Earthquake Preparedness
Given Los Angeles’s location along major fault lines, including the notorious San Andreas Fault, seismic preparedness is an ongoing priority for local and state authorities. Public awareness campaigns frequently encourage residents to secure heavy furniture, prepare emergency kits with water and non-perishable food, and establish family communication plans.
The recent quakes underscore the continuous need for residents to be prepared for the ‘Big One.’ While infrastructure in California is designed to withstand a certain level of seismic activity, the potential for significant damage, injury, and widespread disruption in a densely populated metropolitan area remains a constant concern. Emergency services regularly conduct drills and update protocols to respond effectively to large-scale seismic events, emphasizing the importance of community resilience.
The consistent occurrence of moderate tremors serves as a vital natural mechanism for reinforcing public vigilance and ensuring that earthquake preparedness remains a top-of-mind issue for millions residing in Southern California.