SAN JUAN BAUTISTA, Calif. – A light magnitude 3.1 earthquake shook parts of San Benito and Monterey counties late Wednesday morning, briefly rattling homes near San Juan Bautista but causing no immediate damage or injuries.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake struck at 7:12 a.m. PST, centered about 4 kilometers west-southwest of San Juan Bautista at a shallow depth of 4.6 kilometers. The tremor was felt across Hollister, Prunedale, and Salinas, where residents described a short, sharp jolt lasting only a few seconds.
Officials with the California Integrated Seismic Network reported minor shaking intensity levels of III on the Modified Mercalli Scale — enough to be felt indoors but not strong enough to cause structural issues. No disruptions were reported along U.S. Highway 101 or State Route 156, which run close to the epicenter.
San Benito County emergency management urged residents to review earthquake safety kits and secure loose objects. “Even smaller quakes like this are reminders to stay prepared,” officials said, noting that the region lies along the San Andreas Fault Zone, one of California’s most active fault lines.
Experts remind residents to Drop, Cover, and Hold On during any future shaking, and to keep flashlights, first-aid supplies, and charged phones readily accessible.
