Home Viral Media Spotlight 1

5 Critical Facts About The Recent Shaking And Burbank's Earthquake Risk Today

• minute read
Contents

Burbank residents and those in the greater San Fernando Valley are always on high alert for seismic activity, a fact underscored by the minor tremors felt across the region in the last 24 hours. As of today, December 19, 2025, no major, damaging earthquake has struck directly in the City of Burbank, but the area experienced weak shaking from nearby events, serving as a potent reminder of the inherent seismic risk in Southern California. This comprehensive report breaks down the recent activity, the specific faults threatening the "Media Capital of the World," and the crucial steps every resident must take to ensure preparedness for the inevitable "Big One."

The constant, low-level seismic background noise—including micro-quakes felt this week—is a characteristic of the complex tectonic forces at play beneath the Los Angeles basin. While a M2.2 earthquake centered near Malibu and a M3.6 event near Trona may seem insignificant, these events are vital indicators of a constantly moving crust. Understanding the geological reality of the region, from the Verdugo Mountains to the Hollywood Hills, is the first step in effective disaster preparedness.

Recent Seismic Activity Near Burbank (December 2025 Update)

While the search for "earthquake in Burbank today" might not yield a major headline, the region remains seismically active. The most recent notable tremors have originated from neighboring areas, with the shaking intensity often mitigated by distance but still felt by residents in Burbank, Glendale, and Pasadena. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) continues to track this activity closely, providing real-time updates through the Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC) network.

  • Malibu Quake (M2.2): A minor magnitude 2.2 earthquake occurred today, December 19, 2025, centered near Malibu, California. While small, this tremor was felt by some residents in the western parts of the Los Angeles County area, including the Burbank periphery.
  • Trona Quake (M3.6): A more significant magnitude 3.6 earthquake was recorded on December 18, 2025, near Trona, CA. This event, though located further away, was strong enough to produce "weak shaking" (Level II on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale) for many residents in the Burbank area, according to the USGS "Did You Feel It?" (DYFI) reports.
  • Fillmore Event (M3.6): Earlier this week, a magnitude 3.6 event near Fillmore, CA, was also registered, demonstrating the widespread nature of seismic activity across the Southern California Seismic Zone.

These minor quakes serve as a critical, natural drill for the community. The fact that the shaking was felt, even weakly, underscores the need for constant vigilance and adherence to the "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" protocol.

The Hidden Threat: Major Fault Lines Under the San Fernando Valley

Burbank's location in the San Fernando Valley places it directly over or adjacent to several major and potentially destructive fault systems. Unlike the distant San Andreas Fault, which is a major plate boundary, the local faults are part of a complex system of thrust and blind thrust faults that pose a direct threat to the city’s infrastructure and buildings.

The geological entities of concern include:

The Verdugo Fault: This is one of the most immediate threats to Burbank. It runs along the base of the Verdugo Mountains, passing through Sun Valley, Burbank, and Glendale. While historically considered a less active thrust fault, its proximity to densely populated areas means any major rupture could cause catastrophic damage due to its shallow depth.

The Burbank Fault: Geologists have interpreted the existence of a previously unmapped fault, tentatively termed the "Burbank fault," based on subsurface temperature profiling and geologic evidence in the area. This potential fault, if confirmed and active, would run directly beneath parts of the city, significantly increasing the local seismic hazard.

The Northridge Fault System: Although the 1994 Northridge earthquake was caused by a blind thrust fault (the Northridge Thrust Fault), the entire Los Angeles fault system is interconnected. The Northridge event, which caused significant damage in Burbank, demonstrated the destructive power of blind thrust faults that do not break the surface and are therefore harder to map and anticipate.

The San Gabriel Fault: Located further north, this fault is part of the larger regional framework that influences the stress on local faults. The seismic hazard in Burbank is a cumulative risk from all these systems, which is why the California Geological Survey and the Seismic Hazards Mapping Act (SHMA) are continuously updating risk assessments, including zones of potential liquefaction and landslide.

Historical Context: Lessons from Past Earthquakes

Burbank is no stranger to significant earthquakes, and a review of history proves that the city must always be prepared. Past events have shaped the city's building codes and emergency response protocols, particularly those managed by the Burbank Fire Department and Burbank Water and Power.

  • The 1994 Northridge Earthquake (M6.7): This remains the most impactful recent event. While Burbank was not the epicenter, the shaking caused by this blind thrust fault resulted in significant damage to commercial and residential structures, forcing the city to strengthen its infrastructure and disaster preparedness programs.
  • The 1987 Whittier Narrows Earthquake (M5.9): This quake, centered in the Whittier area, was strongly felt throughout Burbank and the San Fernando Valley, highlighting the regional reach of seismic events and the threat posed by shallow-focus thrust faults.
  • The 1971 Sylmar Earthquake (M6.6): This event, which occurred over 50 years ago, was a major catalyst for California’s modern seismic safety standards. Burbank felt the intense shaking, leading to the realization that older buildings required significant retrofitting.

These historical events confirm that Burbank is situated in a high-risk area. The current mild shaking should be viewed not as an anomaly, but as a typical day in a volatile seismic landscape, reinforcing the need for proactive preparedness.

Essential Earthquake Preparedness: Your 5-Point Burbank Checklist

The best response to the threat of a major earthquake is preparation. The California Earthquake Authority (CEA) and local Burbank agencies stress that personal and structural readiness is the key to surviving and recovering quickly. Here is a five-point checklist for every Burbank resident.

1. Secure Your Space:

Anchor heavy furniture, such as bookcases, filing cabinets, and water heaters, to the walls using straps or bolts. Store heavy or breakable items, like glass and china, in low, latched cabinets to prevent them from becoming projectiles during shaking. This simple step is the most effective way to prevent injury and property damage inside your home.

2. Create an Emergency Kit (Go-Bag):

Every family member should have a personal "Go-Bag" ready. Your kit should contain enough supplies for at least 72 hours, including water (one gallon per person per day), non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, a whistle, a flashlight, a battery-powered radio, copies of important documents, and necessary medications.

3. Make a Family Earthquake Plan:

Identify safe spots in every room (under sturdy tables or desks). Establish an out-of-state contact person for family members to check in with, as local phone lines may be down. Practice "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" regularly with all family members, including those in the Burbank Unified School District.

4. Know Your Utility Shut-Offs:

Learn how to safely shut off your gas, electricity, and water lines. A ruptured gas line is a major post-quake fire hazard. Only turn off the gas if you smell or hear a leak; once you shut it off, a professional will be required to turn it back on.

5. Understand Your Insurance Coverage:

Standard homeowner’s insurance does not cover earthquake damage. Review your policy and consider purchasing earthquake insurance through the CEA or a private provider. Understanding your financial preparedness is as crucial as physical preparedness.

The Bottom Line: Preparedness is Paramount

The mild M2.2 and M3.6 quakes felt recently are a valuable, low-cost reminder of the tectonic forces at work beneath the San Fernando Valley. While the query "earthquake in Burbank today" did not result in a disaster, the underlying risk from faults like the Verdugo Fault and the potential for a repeat of the Northridge earthquake remains high. The city's disaster preparedness and emergency response plans are regularly updated, but individual action is the most important layer of defense. By securing your space, assembling an emergency kit, and making a detailed plan, you can significantly mitigate the impact of the next major seismic event in Burbank.

5 Critical Facts About the Recent Shaking and Burbank's Earthquake Risk Today
earthquake in burbank today
earthquake in burbank today

Detail Author:

  • Name : Clementine Ullrich
  • Username : joshua74
  • Email : hand.fermin@gmail.com
  • Birthdate : 1995-05-09
  • Address : 231 Litzy Fords Lehnerborough, SC 98371-7550
  • Phone : (854) 924-6131
  • Company : Langosh Inc
  • Job : Cement Mason and Concrete Finisher
  • Bio : Soluta eum optio ut itaque ut eius voluptas. Corporis natus est voluptatem consequatur nobis animi quod.

Socials

linkedin:

tiktok:

  • url : https://tiktok.com/@buckridgej
  • username : buckridgej
  • bio : Aperiam dolor pariatur est enim sed iusto. Numquam impedit ipsam maiores.
  • followers : 491
  • following : 1542

facebook:

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/jasmin.buckridge
  • username : jasmin.buckridge
  • bio : Consectetur doloribus illo ex. Nam et aut aut eius ducimus iure vitae voluptas.
  • followers : 6123
  • following : 1309

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/jbuckridge
  • username : jbuckridge
  • bio : Iusto mollitia voluptate molestias sed. Quos provident est molestias eius quidem non perspiciatis. Eum sunt nulla qui.
  • followers : 2261
  • following : 2602

Random Posts