Earthquake tremors were reported in some areas of California, including Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Manhattan Beach, on Tuesday. USGS reported that a magnitude 3.7 quake occurred 14 km southwest of Manhattan Beach. The small earthquake hit Southern California at about 12:15 PM PDT, according to data from USGS.
Epicenter and Depth Details
The US Geological Survey’s California Integrated Seismic Network (CI) added that the earthquake was at 33.826°N, 118.549°W, roughly somewhere close to the Palos Verdes Peninsula, and was 11.3 km deep. No damages or casualties were reported.
Magnitude and Proximity to Major Areas in Los Angeles
Magnitude and Location: The earthquake had a magnitude of 3.37 (local magnitude, ml) with an error of ±0.2, according to earthquake.usgs.gov. Its epicenter was 14.2 km (8.7 miles) from Manhattan Beach, 14.3 km from Hermosa Beach, and 23 miles from Los Angeles, in the North Pacific Ocean off Santa Monica Bay.
Residents reported slight shaking in Hermosa Beach with a ‘dull rolling sound’ and rattling for 10–15 seconds.
Spike in Seismic Activity in the Region
Southern California has experienced increased seismic activity in 2025, with 15 seismic sequences of over magnitude 4.0 in 2024, according to latimes.com. Some of the notable quakes were a 5.2 quake in the vicinity of Julian on April 14, 2025, and a 4.1 quake in the area of Malibu on March 10, 2025. A 3.3 quake occurred 12 miles west of Torrance on March 30, 2025.
Coinciding Unrest in Los Angeles
The earthquake happened during anti-ICE demonstrations in Los Angeles, which escalated into riots with freeway blockades and fires. On Monday, 700 Marines from Task Force 51 were joined by 2,100 National Guard soldiers to safeguard federal buildings.
