Holtville, California – A magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck 7 kilometers west-southwest of Holtville early Thursday morning, following two smaller earthquakes in the same area, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
The strongest quake occurred at 1:54 a.m. PST (09:54 UTC) at a depth of approximately 19.9 kilometers, placing it deep enough to reduce surface damage but strong enough to be felt across parts of Imperial County and near the U.S.–Mexico border. The event was reviewed and confirmed by the California Integrated Seismic Network (CISN).
The 4.4-magnitude earthquake followed a magnitude 3.5 quake recorded at 1:40 a.m. PST, about 8 kilometers west of Holtville, at a depth of 15.6 kilometers. Earlier, a magnitude 2.5 quake was detected at 1:56 a.m. PST, roughly 6 kilometers west of Holtville, at a depth of 5.7 kilometers. Seismologists classified the sequence as a localized earthquake cluster.
USGS “Did You Feel It?” reports indicate light shaking (Intensity IV) in parts of Imperial Valley, including areas near Holtville, El Centro, and Calexico, with limited reports from across the border in Mexicali, Mexico. No injuries or structural damage were immediately reported as of Thursday morning.
The earthquakes occurred in a seismically active region near the Imperial Fault Zone, where small-to-moderate earthquakes are relatively common. Authorities emphasized that aftershocks are possible but typically decrease in frequency and strength over time.
Residents are advised to remain alert for aftershocks, secure loose items, and review earthquake safety procedures.
The USGS continues to monitor the area and encourages residents who felt the shaking to submit reports to help refine intensity mapping.
