Moderate Earthquake shakes Southern California’s Riverside County
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A magnitude 4.9 earthquake struck Riverside County,California,on Monday evening,prompting reports of shaking felt as far away as San Diego. the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake occurred seven miles from Indio at a depth of 1.87 miles.
initial Reports and Aftershocks
Following the initial tremor, several aftershocks were recorded by the USGS, including magnitudes 3.3, 3.4, and 2.9. Fortunately, a spokesperson for the Riverside County Fire Department indicated there were no immediate reports of damage.
Intensity and Impact
The earthquake registered an estimated intensity of V on the modified Mercalli intensity scale. This level signifies moderate shaking – strong enough to overturn unstable objects and break windows. Residents in the vicinity described the experience vividly. one Joshua Tree resident reported feeling “swaying like a boat,” while a resident in North San Diego County noted the rumbling lasted approximately 15 seconds.
Regional Effects and Public Response
The quake’s effects were felt across a wide area. It occurred 10 miles from Coachella, 11 miles from Palm Desert and La Quinta, and 13 miles from Rancho Mirage. The USGS received public reports from individuals who felt the quake as far as 92 miles away in San Diego. A worker at Unique Bite Eatery in indio, when contacted, appeared unfazed and confirmed no damage to the restaurant.
Why did it happen? The earthquake was caused by movement along a fault line within the San Andreas Fault system, a major tectonic boundary. The Pacific and North American plates are constantly shifting, building up stress that is periodically released in the form of earthquakes.
Who was affected? Residents across a wide swath of southern California, including those in Riverside County, San Diego County, and the Coachella Valley, felt the shaking. While no major damage was immediately reported, the quake caused concern and prompted safety checks among residents.
What was the extent of the event? The mainshock registered a magnitude of 4.9,followed by a series of aftershocks ranging in magnitude from 2.9 to 3.4. Shaking was reported up to 92 miles away in San Diego. The quake occurred at a relatively shallow depth of 1.87 miles,which contributed to the widespread feeling of shaking.
How did it end? The initial earthquake lasted approximately 15 seconds, according to reports. aftershocks continued for several hours following the main event, gradually decreasing in frequency and intensity. As of this report, no further significant seismic activity has been recorded, and the situation appears to be stabilizing.
Recent Seismic Activity and California Earthquake trends
This event comes amid a period of increased seismic activity in the region.In the last 10 days, four earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 or greater have been centered nearby. According to a recent three-year data sample, an average of 25 earthquakes with magnitudes between 4.0 and 5.0 occur annually in California and Nevada.
Preparedness Resources
Residents are encouraged to report their experiences to the USGS.For data on earthquake preparedness, including guidance on creating earthquake kits and utilizing helpful apps, sign up for the Unshaken newsletter at latimes.com/Unshaken. The newsletter, developed with insights from experts like Lucy Jones, provides a six-week program to enhance emergency readiness.
