4.7 Earthquake in Northern California: Latest Updates

Northern California Earthquake: A Detailed Report

(Susanville, Calif., December 29, 2025) – A magnitude 4.7 earthquake struck Northern California Sunday afternoon, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The temblor was reported at 4:41 p.m.seven miles from Susanville in Lassen County.

A moderate earthquake rattled Northern California on sunday, with shaking felt across a wide area.

Did you know? – California lies on several active fault lines, making earthquakes a common occurrence. The state averages over 200 felt earthquakes annually, most of which are minor.

• A magnitude 4.7 earthquake occurred near Susanville,California,on Sunday afternoon.
• The earthquake was initially reported as a magnitude 5.0 by the USGS.
• Moderate shaking was reported near the epicenter, with light shaking felt as far south as Sacramento.
• An average of 25 earthquakes with magnitudes of 4.0 to 5.0 occur each year in California and Nevada.

The earthquake occurred 66 miles from Magalia, Calif., 68 miles from Reno, 69 miles from Paradise, Calif., and 73 miles from Chico, Calif., the USGS reported.

The agency initially reported the earthquake as a magnitude 5.0 before revising it to 4.7. Moderate shaking was reported near the quakeS epicenter,while light shaking was reported as far east as Redding,north into Klamath Falls,Ore., and as far south as Sacramento.

Why did it happen? The earthquake occurred due to movement along a fault line in the region. While the specific fault wasn’t instantly identified in the initial reports, Northern California is situated in a tectonically active zone where the Pacific and North American plates interact, causing frequent seismic activity. The quake’s depth of 3.4 miles suggests a relatively shallow focus, which often results in more noticeable shaking.

Pro tip – During an earthquake, remember to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” Drop to your hands and knees,cover your head and neck with your arms,and hold onto something sturdy.

The earthquake occurred at a depth of 3.4 miles, according to the USGS. In the last 10 days, one earthquake of magnitude 3.0 or greater has been centered nearby.

Earthquake Frequency in California and Nevada

According to a recent three-year data sample,an average of 25 earthquakes with magnitudes of 4.0 to 5.0 occur each year in California and Nevada, the USGS stated.

Who felt it? Reports indicated that residents in and around Susanville experienced moderate shaking. Light shaking was felt in a broader area, including Redding, Klamath Falls, and Sacramento.The USGS’s “Did You Feel It?” map collects reports from individuals to better understand the earthquake’s impact.

Individuals who felt the earthquake are encouraged to report thier experience to the USGS at earthquake.usgs.gov.

What was the extent of the damage? As of this report, there were no immediate reports of critically important damage or injuries. A magnitude 4.7 earthquake is generally considered moderate and typically doesn’t cause widespread structural damage, though minor incidents like fallen objects or cracked plaster are possible. Local authorities were likely conducting assessments to determine if any damage occurred.

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