A moderate earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 5.1 shook Southern California on Monday afternoon, with activity in the area of Indio Hills, Riverside County. With the USGS saying the quake occurred about 5:56 p.m. PST on January 19, 2026. The epicenter was about 5 miles northeast of Indio Hills and around 12 miles north-northeast of Indio. The quake moved at an extremely shallow depth of about 2 miles (3 km), a well-known fact that tends to amplify the shaking at the surface.
Widespread Shaking Reported
Though the center was a remote region close to the San Andreas Fault zone, the shaking rippled through much of the Coachella Valley and the Inland Empire. Residents nearby had complaints of notable shaking:
- Palm Desert & Palm Springs: Harsher jolts that rattled windows and moved hanging objects.
- Riverside & Moreno Valley: Light to moderate swaying of residents in multi-story buildings.
- Big Bear Lake: Tremors rippled through the mountain communities.
- San Diego & North County: Minor vibrations were reported as far in the south as San Diego.
Downgrades and Aftershocks
With the USGS’ latest reading of 5.1, the initial reading changed and the magnitude, he said, after an initial evaluation of the seismic data. While some initial automated systems recorded the energy at 5.1, official refined reports settled the main shock into the 4.6 to 4.9 range. Immediately after the main event was a "mini-swarm" where other aftershocks occurred. At least three major aftershocks were recorded in the first hour:
- Magnitude 3.4 at 5:57 p.m.
- Magnitude 3.3 at 5:58 p.m.
- Magnitude 2.9 shortly thereafter.
Damage and Safety Reports
By Monday evening, there are no reported major structural damage or injuries. Local utilities are monitoring infrastructure now, but significant power outages have not been traced to the seismic activity. Seismologists describe quakes in the 4.5 to 5.5 range as typical of this area of California, which hovers near the treacherous boundary between Mission Creek and Banning strands of the San Andreas Fault. However, though such catastrophes usually do little more than cause small disruptions to things outside of the town square, they should serve as a reminder for people there to be "Earthquake Ready."
Expert Advice
Drop, Cover, And Hold On. For the fear of your body shaking in various regions of your city, put a sturdy piece of furniture under protection immediately and stay under it. After a quake, check your home for gas leaks, water lines and other leakages in this area.
Expect Aftershocks
Smaller tremors are expected to persist for days after an event of this magnitude. The USGS remains on the lookout for increases in seismic activity suggesting a larger event, but the tendency for a “mainshock” to follow this order usually subsides with time.
