Celebrities on the A-list were left shaken when a secretive Oscars afterparty event was unexpectedly interrupted by a magnitude 3.9 earthquake that rocked Hollywood. The earthquake’s epicenter was pinpointed in North Hollywood, mere miles away from the prestigious Dolby Theatre where the Oscars had just taken place. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries caused by the quake. The seismic activity struck shortly after 10:00 PM local time, catching the glamorous attendees of the popular Vanity Fair afterparty off guard.
Witnesses in the vicinity described feeling a sudden surge of energy, with some letting out screams as they observed high-rise buildings swaying like jelly. The US Geological Survey (USGS) promptly confirmed that the earthquake was felt across a wide area in Los Angeles, stretching for miles. Despite the tremor being relatively minor, no tsunami alert was issued in response.
Live updates from the BBC chronicled the unfolding events of the star-studded ceremony, capturing the best moments, surprises, and fashion statements of the night. The Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed that the earthquake had reverberated through downtown Los Angeles but clarified that they were not initiating emergency protocols as a result. Typically, for stronger earthquakes, first responders and officials conduct thorough assessments to ensure the safety and stability of buildings and infrastructure.
The earthquake was just one of around 40 seismic events recorded in Southern California since the beginning of March. Most of these were low-magnitude tremors that went unnoticed by residents. In recent memory, a notable magnitude 3.7 earthquake struck the nearby Malibu area, while a significant magnitude 7 earthquake rattled northern California last December, prompting a brief tsunami alert for regions in northern California and southern Oregon.
BBC reporters covering the Academy Awards firsthand recounted the intense shaking and alarmed reactions as the earthquake hit. The sudden jolt startled many, with some likening the experience to the sound of an explosion. One local resident expressed surprise at the impact of the quake, remarking on feeling the tremors deep in their bones. BBC correspondent Emma Vardy shared her firsthand experience of the quake, noting how the high-rise building she was in began to sway, creating an unsettling sensation akin to being surrounded by gelatin.
As Sam Granville and Emma Vardy contributed to the report, the evening concluded with a star-studded Oscars celebration marked by unexpected seismic activity and a reminder of the unpredictable nature of living in earthquake-prone Southern California. Award winners, fashion triumphs, and red carpet glamour all took a backseat to the momentary chaos brought on by Mother Nature’s unexpected intrusion in the heart of Tinseltown.
