Southern California Rattled By Magnitude 4.6 Earthquake Near Indio

INDIO, CA—A sharp magnitude 4.6 earthquake jolted the Coachella Valley and surrounding Southern California regions on Monday evening, January 19, 2026. While the United States Geological Survey (USGS) initially flagged the event as a 5.1-magnitude quake, it was subsequently refined and downgraded to 4.6.

The tremor, which struck at 5:56 PM local time, originated at a very shallow depth of approximately 2 to 3 kilometers (roughly 1.2 to 1.9 miles). Its epicenter was located about 12 miles north-northeast of Indio, near the Indio Hills area.

1. Widespread Shaking and Aftershocks

The shallow nature of the quake meant the vibrations were felt intensely across a broad geographical area.

• Regional Impact: Residents in Palm Springs, San Diego, Riverside, Temecula, and Orange County reported significant swaying and rumbling.
• The “Cluster” Effect: Within minutes of the main shock, a series of at least five aftershocks rattled the area, with the largest measuring 3.4 magnitude. Other notable aftershocks were recorded at 3.3, 2.9, and 2.4.
• Intensity: The USGS estimated the shaking intensity at Level V (Moderate) on the Modified Mercalli Scale, which is strong enough to overturn unstable objects or rattle windows but rarely causes major structural damage to modern buildings.

2. Damage Assessment and Local Response

As of Tuesday morning, January 20, there have been no immediate reports of significant structural damage or injuries.

• Emergency Services: Riverside County Fire Department officials confirmed they are monitoring the situation, but no emergency calls related to building collapses or major gas leaks were received in the immediate aftermath.
• Public Alerts: Many residents reported receiving an Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) on their smartphones just seconds before or during the shaking, a testament to California’s robust seismic alert system.

3. Seismic Significance

Seismologists noted the quake occurred in a seismically active zone near the San Andreas Fault, though they have not yet confirmed which specific fault line triggered the event.

• Foreshock or Mainshock? While residents on social media expressed concern about a larger “Big One” following, experts maintain that this type of moderate cluster is common for California and does not necessarily predict a larger event in the immediate future.

Summary of Seismic Data