Malika Andrews Stays Calm During Scary Earthquake Live On Air

ESPN anchor Malika Andrews wasn’t shaken up when a 4.4 magnitude earthquake hit Los Angeles on Aug. 12, rumbling the ESPN studio during her live interview on NBA Today.

Andrews was chatting with basketball analyst, Rebecca Lobo, on Monday’s episode when a massive earthquake sent cameras and lights in the studio rumbling and shaking uncontrollably. While many would have cowered in fear and ran, Malika kept calm, cool and collected during the scary moment.

“We have a bit of an earthquake here in Los Angeles, so we’re just going to make sure that our studio lights, everything stays safe… Everybody good?” the fearless anchor said as she smiled and made sure that her studio crew was safe. “Alright, thank you so much for bearing with us through that…” Andrews explained calmly to both Lobo and the viewing audience. 

Once the earthquake settled, Malika jumped right back into her interview with Lobo as if nothing happened. A true display of Black Girl Magic at its finest. After the show, the ESPN star took to X to thank her crew in the studio for staying “cool” throughout the scary moment.

“Definitely a scary moment here in our LA studios. Thank you to our incredible staff and crew who stayed cool throughout! Stay safe, fellow Angelenos,” she penned.

Netizens on X also applauded the beautiful anchor for her incredible display of composure during the earthquake.

“Damn she was so calm and smooth I would have been screaming Chris Tucker style,” one netizen commented.

“Her composure level is next level,” a second X user penned.

“Elite work @malika_andrews. You could not have handled this moment any better,” a third fan chimed in.

“Give this woman a raise,” a fourth added. 

Lobo also praised Malika, writing, “I was stunned by both the earthquake and how @malika_andrews handled it like a boss. Wow.”

According to ABC 7, the 4.4 magnitude earthquake struck Los Angeles County on Monday around 12:20 p.m., at a depth of nearly 6 miles, with its epicenter in Highland Park. The tremor lasted about six seconds, causing buildings to shake and residents to feel the jolt across a wide region, Entertainment Weekly noted.

While the quake rattled nerves from San Diego County to Simi Valley, and even as far as Victorville and Redlands, there were no reports of major damage or injuries. Residents near the epicenter captured dramatic footage of the shaking, which triggered startled reactions and sent pets and people scrambling for cover.

According to reports, the quake was initially registered as a 4.7 magnitude earthquake, but was shortly downgraded. 

We’re glad everyone is safe! 

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