Multiple distinct earthquakes rattled coastal California on Monday, May 25, 2026, according to the U. S.
Geological Survey.
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A 3.2-magnitude tremor struck near Malibu, while a 2.4-magnitude quake hit near Petrolia in Humboldt County.
The Southern California quake occurred at about 8:12 p. m.
in the Pacific Ocean, roughly five miles south of the Malibu coastline at a depth of over seven and a half miles.
No injuries or structural damage have been reported.
Shaking from the Malibu event was felt across a wide area, extending as far northeast as Santa Clarita and as far south as Huntington Beach, according to the USGS "Did You Feel It?"
report. This followed a smaller 1.1-magnitude earthquake at the same location on the previous Friday.
Earlier on Monday, northern California experienced separate seismic activity. A preliminary 2.4-magnitude quake struck near the Humboldt County community of Petrolia at 3:34 p.
m. local time, with an epicenter about 19 miles west of Petrolia at a depth of 10 miles.
The same northern region was also hit by another 3.2-magnitude quake earlier Monday at 6:53 a.
m. PT, located 18 miles west of Petrolia.
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The area has seen heightened activity over the week, including a stronger 3.9-magnitude tremor on May 21.
Historical data shows that this section of Humboldt County, known as the Lost Coast, has experienced significant seismicity.
A cluster of ocean earthquakes jolted the area in May 2025, with the largest reaching magnitude 4.6, while a violent 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck offshore near Eureka in December 2025, causing widespread power failures and displacing homes.
According to safety guidelines from the Department of Homeland Security, proper immediate reactions are critical during a tremor.
Individuals inside a building are advised to remain indoors, stay away from doorways, and avoid running outside.
Emergency management officials recommend that people drop, cover, and hold on. "Wherever you are, drop down to your hands and knees and hold onto something sturdy," officials stated.
For those using mobility devices, specific protocols apply: "If you're using a wheelchair or walker with a seat, make sure your wheels are locked and remain seated until the shaking stops."
After the initial shockwave, secondary hazards often emerge.
"There can be serious hazards after an earthquake, such as damage to the building, leaking gas and water lines, or downed power lines," officials warned.
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Residents are also advised to expect aftershocks and be ready to drop, cover, and hold on.
