Earthquake: Dr. Lucy Jones Explains Why Some Felt It While Others Didn’t

Earthquake: Dr. Lucy Jones Explains Why Some Felt It While Others Didn’t

 Seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones Discusses 4.7-Magnitude Quake The U.S. Geological Survey reported at least five aftershocks following the 4.7 earthquake.MORE READ:

LOS ANGELES – A 4.7-magnitude earthquake struck near Malibu early Thursday morning, shaking Southern California with varying effects reported by residents—some feeling the tremor, while others did not notice it at all.

As the region reacted to the quake, which occurred just before 7:30 a.m., renowned seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones shared her insights during an interview with FOX 11 at a National Preparedness Month event in El Segundo.

The earthquake, centered five miles north of Malibu, was felt as far as San Diego and up the coast toward Bakersfield. Dr. Jones described it as 'widely felt,' which was expected given its magnitude. She also confirmed the occurrence of numerous aftershocks, with at least two measuring over magnitude 3, and predicted more throughout the afternoon.

Earthquake

 why some residents felt the earthquake while others didn’t, Dr. Lucy Jones said, How far away you are is a big part of it, but emphasized that personal activity during the quake also plays a key role. I didn’t feel anything because I was on my exercise bike pedaling away. If you're moving or walking, it’s much harder to notice, she explained. She also noted that people in upper floors of buildings are more likely to feel the tremors, as structures can amplify the shaking.more Read

Dr. Jones also praised the effectiveness of earthquake notification apps, saying, The solid information about early warning is good, and encouraged people to rely on them. She pointed out that the apps have improved thanks to more instruments and better algorithms, though she added that the increase in notifications is partly due to more significant earthquakes occurring.

Discussing earthquake preparedness, Dr. Lucy Jones stressed the need for proactive measures before a quake strikes. She criticized the current building codes for focusing on survival rather than minimizing financial losses or ensuring buildings remain functional after an earthquake. Dr. Jones advocates for stronger construction standards, emphasizing the long-term cost savings of better-built structures.

She also urged individuals, businesses, and community groups to take immediate steps such as ensuring building safety, practicing drop, cover, and hold on, and developing post-earthquake plans, including communication strategies with neighbors. With the risk of earthquakes disrupting essential infrastructure, coordinated planning is vital for a community's resilience.

Reflecting on common responses to earthquakes, Dr. Jones highlighted the importance of developing muscle memory for safety procedures, such as participating in drills like the upcoming ShakeOut. This ensures quick and effective action during a real earthquake. The interview concluded with a reminder of the ongoing threat of earthquakes and the critical need for preparedness—a message Dr. Jones had already planned to deliver on the same day as the Malibu quake.