Small Earthquake Shakes Culver City Area — What You Need to Know

What Happened?

On Friday, July 31, 2026, at 4:37 p.m., a small earthquake rattled the Los Angeles County area. Here are the key details:

• Magnitude: 2.2 (initially reported as 2.3, then updated)
• Location: Epicenter about 1 mile north of Culver City
• Depth: 8 miles underground
• Source: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

Quick Fact: A magnitude 2.2 quake is considered very minor — most people won’t even feel it!

Did You Feel It?

The USGS wants to know! If you noticed any shaking, you can report it using their online "Felt Report" form. As of now, 8 people have submitted reports saying they felt the tremor.

Submit Your Felt Report Here

Recent Earthquake Activity in the Area

In the past week, there have been two other small quakes nearby, both on July 30:

These are all considered minor earthquakes — strong enough to be recorded, but rarely strong enough to cause damage.

Understanding Earthquakes: The Basics (ELI5 Style)

What Is "Magnitude"?

Think of magnitude like a volume knob for earthquakes. It measures how much energy was released at the source (deep underground). The higher the number, the more energy.

Old vs. New: Scientists used to use the Richter scale. Now they use the Moment Magnitude Scale — it’s more accurate, especially for big quakes.

How Strong Is a 2.2 Quake?

Where Do Earthquakes Happen Most?

They can happen anywhere, but these U.S. states/territories see the most action:

• Alaska
• California
• Hawaii
• Oregon
• Puerto Rico
• Washington

By the Numbers (Every Year, Worldwide)

• 500,000 detectable earthquakes
• 100,000 strong enough to be felt
• 100 that cause actual damage

What to Do During an Earthquake: Step-by-Step

Experts agree: Protect yourself RIGHT AWAY. Here’s what to do based on where you are:

If You’re in a Car

1. Pull over safely and stop
2. Set your parking brake
3. Stay inside until shaking stops

If You’re in Bed

1. Turn face-down
2. Cover your head and neck with a pillow
3. Hold on until it’s over

If You’re Outdoors

1. Move away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines
2. Stay outside — don’t run inside
3. Drop to the ground and cover your head

If You’re Indoors

1. STAY INSIDE — do NOT run outside
2. Stay away from doorways (they’re not safer!)
3. Drop, Cover, and Hold On (see below)

The Gold Standard: Drop, Cover, and Hold On

No matter where you are, this is your best move:

1. DROP down to your hands and knees (so you don’t get knocked over)
2. COVER your head and neck with your arms
   • If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it
   • No table? Crawl to an interior wall (away from windows)
3. HOLD ON to your shelter (table leg, etc.) with one hand
   • Be ready to move with it if it shifts
4. Stay there until the shaking completely stops

Using a wheelchair or walker with a seat?
Lock your wheels, stay seated, and cover your head and neck with your arms.

After the Shaking Stops: Stay Alert!

IMPORTANT: The danger isn’t over when the shaking stops.

Watch Out For:

• Building damage (cracks, fallen debris)
• Gas leaks (smell rotten eggs? Leave immediately!)
• Water line breaks
• Downed power lines — stay far away!

Expect Aftershocks

• Smaller quakes often follow the main one
• They can happen minutes, hours, or even days later
• Be ready to Drop, Cover, and Hold On again!

Summary

• A 2.2 magnitude earthquake hit near Culver City on July 31, 2026 at 4:37 p.m.
• It was 8 miles deep and 1 mile north of Culver City
• 8 people reported feeling it via USGS
• Two other minor quakes (2.4 and 2.3) happened nearby on July 30
• Quakes under 2.5 are rarely felt and almost never cause damage
• Best safety move: Drop, Cover, and Hold On — practice it!
• Aftershocks are likely — stay prepared

FAQ: Your Earthquake Questions Answered

Q: Is a 2.2 earthquake dangerous?

A: Nope! It’s very minor. Most people won’t feel it, and it won’t cause damage. Think of it like a big truck driving past your house.

Q: Why was it first reported as 2.3, then changed to 2.2?

A: Scientists get early automated readings, then refine them with more data. It’s totally normal for the number to shift slightly.

Q: Should I stand in a doorway during an earthquake?

A: No! That’s an old myth. Modern doorways aren’t stronger than other parts of the house. Drop, Cover, and Hold On under a sturdy table is much safer.

Q: What if I’m in a high-rise building?

A: Same rule: Drop, Cover, Hold On. Stay away from windows and outer walls. Don’t use elevators. Wait for shaking to stop before evacuating if needed.

Q: How can I prepare for the next one?

A: Great question! Start with:

• Secure heavy furniture (bookshelves, TVs) to walls
• Make an emergency kit (water, food, flashlight, meds, docs)
• Plan a family meetup spot and out-of-area contact
• Download the MyShake app for early alerts (California)

Source: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
This article was generated by the CA Earthquake Bot using official seismic data. Original publish date: July 31, 2026 at 4:45 PM.