Joshua Tree National Park, California – A burst of earthquakes rattled Southern California early Tuesday morning, with nearly a dozen quakes striking near Joshua Tree National Park before sunrise. The strongest of the sequence reached a magnitude 4.9, strong enough to wake residents and send light shaking across parts of Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, at least 11 earthquakes were recorded north and northeast of Indio within a few hours early Tuesday, beginning shortly after midnight. Several of the quakes were shallow, increasing how strongly the shaking was felt near the surface. The largest event was widely reported by residents across the Coachella Valley, with shaking felt as far west as parts of Los Angeles and San Diego counties.
Most of the earthquakes measured between magnitude 2.6 and 3.7, with multiple events clustered near Joshua Tree National Park and surrounding desert communities. USGS data indicates the magnitude 4.9 quake is likely the mainshock of the sequence, with the remaining quakes considered aftershocks.
No serious injuries or major damage were immediately reported, though minor items were knocked from shelves in nearby towns. The USGS notes there is a high likelihood of additional aftershocks in the coming days. Residents are urged to remain alert, secure loose items, and be prepared for more shaking as the seismic sequence continues to unfold.
