A magnitude 3.8 earthquake lightly shook mountain communities in Riverside County on Thursday evening, serving as another reminder of Southern California’s constant seismic activity.
According to preliminary data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake struck at about 5:34 p.m. roughly six miles southwest of Idyllwild, at an estimated depth of around 10 miles.
Minutes later, a second quake registering magnitude 3.5 and showing a similar depth and location was recorded in the same area, creating a brief sequence of tremors.
Hundreds Report Feeling “Weak” Shaking
More than 500 residents submitted “Did You Feel It?” reports to the USGS, describing the shaking as weak but noticeable, especially in and around Idyllwild and surrounding mountain communities.
Despite the flurry of reports, officials said there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage as of early Thursday evening. Buildings, power, and infrastructure appeared to be unaffected.
For official real-time data on this and other events, residents can track seismic activity directly through the United States Geological Survey. USGS
California’s Constant Earthquake Background
While Thursday’s 3.8 and 3.5 magnitude quakes were relatively minor, they fit into a well-known pattern for the region. Southern California experiences thousands of earthquakes each year, most too small to be felt. Only several hundred typically reach magnitude 3.0 or higher, and only about 15 to 20 exceed magnitude 4.0 annually.
Nationwide, Alaska is the only U.S. state that records more earthquakes than California, but California’s dense population and infrastructure mean even moderate quakes can have heightened impacts.
Thursday’s tremors near Idyllwild did not trigger serious consequences, but seismologists often remind residents that smaller events are part of the same tectonic systems capable of producing much larger earthquakes.
What To Do During An Earthquake
Events like this are a timely nudge for Californians to review basic safety steps. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and earthquake preparedness campaigns across the state emphasize the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” method as the safest response in most situations.
Key actions include:
- Drop
Get down onto your hands and knees as soon as you feel shaking. This position helps prevent you from being knocked over and lets you move if you need to. - Cover
Use one arm to protect your head and neck and, if possible, crawl under a sturdy table or desk.
If no shelter is available, move next to an interior wall, staying away from windows, glass and heavy objects that could fall. - Hold On
Hold on to your shelter until the shaking stops, and be prepared to move with it if it shifts. If you are not under a table or desk, hold your head and neck with both arms and hands until the shaking ends.
Residents can find detailed guidance, including what to do if you’re in a car, in bed, outdoors or have mobility limitations, on the official California Department of Public Health earthquake safety page.
A Mild Shake, But A Serious Reminder
Although Thursday’s Riverside County earthquakes caused no known damage, they highlight a critical reality:
- Even weak shaking can be unsettling, especially in mountain communities
- Minor quakes are part of the normal seismic “background noise” in California
- Knowing how to react instantly can reduce the risk of injury when a stronger event eventually hits
For people in and around Idyllwild, the 3.8 and 3.5 magnitude temblors will likely be remembered as a brief scare rather than a disaster – and a valuable opportunity to refresh emergency plans, secure heavy furniture, and practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On before the next quake arrives.
Short, felt and forgotten is the best possible outcome, but preparedness remains essential in one of the world’s most closely watched earthquake regions.
