An earthquake measuring 4.1 on the Richter scale hit Los Angeles on 1 January 2023, according to the US Geological Survey, rattling a state still recovering from a series of tremors towards the end of 2022. The latest quake, centred 19km off the coast of Rancho Palos Verdes, caused shaking that was felt as far afield as Santa Clarita, San Bernardino, Temecula, Mission Viejo and Catalina Island, although there were no immediate reports of damage or injury. The earthquake occurred just a day after a 7.9 magnitude quake hit Japan, killing at least two people and prompting a tsunami warning. Analysts have warned California is overdue a major earthquake, termed 'the big one'.