Southern California got an unexpected wake-up call Monday as three earthquakes rattled the region in less than 12 hours. The tremors, centered near San Bernardino, weren’t massive, but they were strong enough to be felt across multiple cities, leaving many residents wondering is this a sign of something bigger?
While there have been no reports of major damage or injuries, these quakes are a stark reminder that California sits on one of the most seismically active regions in the world.
Three Quakes in One Day What Happened?
The shaking started early, with a magnitude 3.5 earthquake hitting just before 9:45 a.m. on Monday. Only three minutes later, a 3.0-magnitude aftershock followed. Then, as people were winding down for the night, a third quake measuring 3.6 struck at 9:58 p.m.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), all three quakes were relatively shallow, originating about 4.6 miles underground, making them easier to feel. Residents in San Bernardino, Riverside, Victorville, and Hesperia reported mild to moderate shaking, though no serious structural damage has been reported.
Should You Be Concerned?
Whenever multiple quakes hit in a short time, it’s natural to wonder if a bigger one is coming. According to seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones, these small tremors aren’t necessarily a warning sign of a major earthquake, but they do serve as a reminder that we live in earthquake country.
California is crisscrossed by hundreds of fault lines, including the San Andreas Fault, which has the potential to produce a massive quake at any time. While Monday’s activity wasn’t unusual, it’s a good wake-up call to make sure you’re prepared.
How to Prepare for the Next Big One
No one can predict earthquakes, but being prepared can make all the difference. Here’s what you can do now:
- Have an emergency plan. Make sure your family knows where to meet and what to do during a quake.
- Stock up on essentials. Keep at least three days worth of water, food, and medical supplies on hand.
- Secure heavy furniture. Bolt bookshelves and TVs to the wall to prevent them from tipping over.
- Stay informed. Download an earthquake alert app and pay attention to local emergency updates.
Final Thoughts
While these back-to-back earthquakes weren’t catastrophic, they’re a stark reminder that California’s seismic activity is always in motion. Whether or not a bigger quake is coming, now is the time to get prepared before it’s too late.