Earthquakes Near Long Beach Today
Live answer from USGS data — every earthquake within 150 km (93 mi) of Long Beach, California.
Checking live USGS data near Long Beach…
Why Long Beach gets earthquakes
Long Beach gave its name to one of California's most consequential earthquakes: the 1933 Long Beach quake (M6.4) on the Newport–Inglewood fault killed about 120 people and destroyed dozens of unreinforced school buildings — leading directly to the Field Act, the law that made California schools earthquake-resistant.
The Newport–Inglewood fault still runs through the city and along the coast toward Huntington Beach, and the Palos Verdes fault lies just offshore of the port. Both are capable of quakes in the high M6 to low M7 range, close to dense urban development.
Long Beach earthquake FAQ
▸Did Long Beach just have an earthquake?
The live panel at the top of this page checks the USGS catalog for every earthquake within 150 km of Long Beach and answers in one line. Keep in mind USGS data lags real shaking by roughly 2–3 minutes in California and up to ~8 minutes in other regions — if you felt something seconds ago, refresh shortly.
▸What faults cause earthquakes near Long Beach?
The Newport–Inglewood fault runs through Long Beach and produced the deadly 1933 M6.4 earthquake. The Palos Verdes fault offshore of the port complex and the THUMS/Wilmington oil field area also generate activity near the city.
▸What magnitude earthquake can you feel in Long Beach, CA?
Close to the epicenter, people typically begin to feel earthquakes around magnitude 2.5–3.0. An M4+ is felt across a wide area and rattles objects; M5+ can damage buildings near the epicenter. Shallow quakes feel stronger than deep ones of the same magnitude, and soft soils amplify shaking.
▸What should I do if I feel an earthquake in Long Beach?
Drop, Cover, and Hold On — get low, take cover under sturdy furniture, and hold on until shaking stops. Afterward, check for hazards like gas leaks, and expect possible aftershocks. If you're in a coastal area and the shaking is strong or lasts a long time, move inland or to high ground. Official guidance: ready.gov/earthquakes.