In a recent report from KTLA, we learned that a 4.0 magnitude earthquake struck the Inland Empire region of Southern California early Sunday morning, waking many residents from their slumber. The quake hit at 3:51 AM, with the epicenter located near Ontario, close to the south side of Highway 60 and adjacent to Ontario International Airport. It was recorded at a depth of roughly 3 miles. Thankfully, there have been no reports of injuries or structural damage.

Initially, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) assessed the earthquake at a magnitude of 4.3, but later adjusted it to 4.0. Following the main quake, a series of smaller aftershocks rattled the area, with the strongest measuring 2.5. The USGS indicated that this relatively shallow quake was felt across Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and many parts of Los Angeles and Orange Counties, and even reached areas as far south as northern San Diego.

Residents of the Inland area took to social media to recount their experiences during the quake. One user from Eastvale shared on KTLA 5’s platform, “I seriously thought this earthquake was a 4.1! My house shook violently! It felt like a car crashed into the side of my house.” Another resident from Fontana described their experience: “I felt a strong tremor; the doors were rattling – I even thought someone was knocking, until the entire house started shaking.”

Authorities have reiterated that, while there have been no reports of injuries or damage after the quake, earthquakes pose a significant natural hazard. California experiences thousands of earthquakes annually, though most are relatively minor. According to USGS data, only a few hundred quakes reach a magnitude of 3.0 or higher, with approximately 15 to 20 quakes achieving a magnitude of 4.0 or greater each year.