Inland Empire Rattle by Pair of 3.0+ Magnitude Earthquakes, USGS Says

Raging Shakers Hit San Bernardino County Early Thursday

A pair of earthquakes, including one initially reported as a magnitude-3.6, shook the Inland Empire early Thursday morning. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) later downgraded the larger quake to a magnitude-3.2. It struck at 1:08 a.m. about 10 miles northeast of San Bernardino, and was followed three minutes later by a magnitude-3.0 temblor centered about 9 miles northeast of the city.

No Major Damage or Injuries Reported

There were no immediate reports of major damage or injuries from either earthquake. The San Bernardino County Fire Department said it had not received any calls for service related to the quakes. The USGS said the quakes were not likely related to the larger temblors that struck Ridgecrest last July.

Recent Shakers Part of Ongoing Seismic Activity

The quakes are part of an ongoing series of smaller temblors that have been rattling the Inland Empire in recent weeks. The USGS said the area has seen more than 100 earthquakes of magnitude-3.0 or greater since the Ridgecrest quakes. Most of these quakes have been too small to be felt, but the larger ones have caused some shaking and rattled nerves.

Residents Urged to Be Prepared for Aftershocks

The USGS said aftershocks are likely to continue for some time. Residents are urged to be prepared for aftershocks and to know what to do in the event of an earthquake. The USGS recommends having a plan in place, including a designated meeting place and an emergency kit.