A preliminary magnitude 4.9 earthquake struck Monday evening just five miles north-northeast of Indio Hills, rattling communities across Southern California.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake hit just before 6 p.m. at a depth of nearly 2 miles. Officials said the epicenter was about 14.5 miles north of Coachella and 16.6 miles northeast of Palm Springs.
Initial readings listed the quake at magnitude 5.1, but it was later downgraded to 4.9 by USGS officials. The main tremor was followed by at least nine aftershocks, with magnitudes ranging from 2.0 to 3.4.
Viewers reported feeling the shaking across a wide area. KTLA viewers said the quake was noticeable as far away as Loma Linda in San Bernardino County and Laguna Beach in Orange County. Residents throughout the Coachella Valley described lights swaying and furniture shaking during the brief jolt.
So far, authorities say there have been no reports of injuries or property damage.
California records thousands of earthquakes each year, though most are extremely small. According to the USGS, several hundred quakes reach a magnitude of 3.0, while only 15 to 20 annually reach 4.0 or higher. In North America, only Alaska experiences more earthquakes per year than California.
What to Do During an Earthquake
Knowing how to respond during an earthquake can help reduce the risk of injury. The California Department of Public Health recommends the following steps:
Drop, Cover, and Hold On
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Drop: Get down onto your hands and knees immediately to prevent being knocked over and to allow movement if needed.
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Cover: Protect your head and neck with one arm. If possible, take shelter under a sturdy table or desk. If no shelter is available, move next to an interior wall away from windows, staying low to protect vital organs.
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Hold On: Hold onto your shelter until the shaking stops, and be ready to move with it if it shifts.