An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 4.6 struck the Southern California coast near Malibu on Friday afternoon, sending tremors throughout the Los Angeles region. The quake occurred at 1:47 p.m. at a depth of 13 kilometers, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The epicenter was located in the Santa Monica Mountains, approximately 35 miles west of downtown Los Angeles.

Despite the significant magnitude, there were no immediate reports of major damage or injuries. The Los Angeles Fire Department stated that the earthquake was "widely felt" in Los Angeles, but there was no indication of any significant consequences. However, the quake did cause some minor disruptions in the area.

In Malibu Village Books, a store near Malibu Lagoon State Beach, customers and staff experienced a moment of hesitation as the ground beneath them shook. Bookseller Emma Carroll recounted the incident, stating, "We definitely did feel it here. But we are all OK." She mentioned that a few books fell off the shelves, but fortunately, there was no significant damage.

The earthquake's impact extended beyond Malibu, reaching as far as Orange County to the south and downtown Los Angeles to the east. The National Tsunami Warning Center swiftly reported that no tsunami had been triggered by the seismic activity.

Coincidentally, the earthquake occurred on the 53rd anniversary of the 1971 San Fernando earthquake, also known as the Sylmar earthquake. This historical event, recorded as a magnitude 6.6, resulted in the loss of 64 lives and caused over $500 million in damages.

Seismologist Lucy Jones addressed the public in a news conference, assuring them that the magnitude of the recent quake did not suggest any severe consequences. She described it as "sort of run of the mill for earthquake country." Jones also clarified that the earthquake was unrelated to the 5.7-magnitude shock that had struck Hawaii's Big Island earlier that same day.

Eyewitness accounts provided further insight into the experience of individuals during the earthquake. Anthony Valdez, an associate at the Surfing Cowboys store in Malibu, described the shaking as long and intense enough to make him fear a larger earthquake was imminent. To ensure his safety, he quickly ran out onto the street, stating, "I work in a shop with surfboards hanging from the ceiling, so I'm not going to go out from a surfboard bonking me on top of my head. I'd rather run out."

Elizabeth Ackerman, a communications specialist working from her family's apartment in the San Fernando Valley, vividly recounted her experience during the quake. She described feeling a sharp shock, similar to the jolt of a roller coaster car at the beginning of a ride. Ackerman noticed her couch shifting beneath her, while the window blinds shook and a birthday banner for her 14-year-old son swung on the wall. As a precaution, she quickly took cover under her dining table in case the shaking persisted.

The earthquake brought a momentary sense of panic to the region, with residents and businesses momentarily frozen in response to the sudden movement of the ground. However, the overall impact was relatively minor, with no significant damage or injuries reported.

The MyShake app, designed to provide earthquake alerts, sent notifications to approximately 91,000 people, according to California's Office of Emergency Services. This technological advancement played a crucial role in alerting individuals to the seismic activity and ensuring their safety.

Anthony Benavidez, who was present at Broad Street Oyster Co. in Malibu, described the earthquake as a "good shake" that caused a few seconds of uncertainty. He mentioned that everyone in the establishment paused momentarily to assess the situation, ensuring that nothing fell off the shelves.

In conclusion, the 4.6-magnitude earthquake that struck the Southern California coast near Malibu caused a significant stir in the Los Angeles region. Despite the initial panic, the quake resulted in minimal damage and no reported injuries. The incident served as a reminder of the ever-present seismic activity in the area and the importance of preparedness for future events.