Southern California has experienced increased seismic activity in 2024, making it the most seismically active year since 1986. The recent 4.4-magnitude earthquake in Los Angeles was attributed to the Puente Hills Fault, which scientists warn could cause more severe damage than the San Andreas Fault due to its location under densely populated areas with old infrastructure. This fault system, stretching from downtown Los Angeles to Pasadena and northern Orange County, has the potential to cause one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history. Seismologists, including Dr. Lucy Jones, note that while the frequency of magnitude 4.0 or greater quakes is up, it does not necessarily predict a larger impending earthquake. Residents are urged to prepare their homes and workplaces for potential earthquakes by securing heavy items and ensuring safety measures are in place.