**Magnitude-5.4 Earthquake Rattles Southern California, Causes Minor Damage**
A magnitude-5.4 earthquake struck Southern California early Monday, jolting millions awake but causing minimal damage. The quake hit at 3:18 a.m., with the epicenter located about 10 miles northwest of Coachella Valley along the San Andreas fault system, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Though the shaking lasted only 10–12 seconds, it was widely felt across the region—from San Bernardino to San Diego. “It felt like a freight train ran beneath the house,” said Linda Martinez of Palm Springs.
Over 80,000 people submitted “Did You Feel It?” reports to the USGS, with social media flooded by images of fallen items and sloshing pools. Emergency officials reported no deaths and only minor injuries.
Precautionary measures followed: schools in Riverside and San Bernardino counties delayed classes for building inspections, Caltrans checked bridges, and hospitals briefly switched to backup power. Utilities like Southern California Edison reported no major outages.
Seismologists say the quake occurred on a lesser-known strand of the San Andreas fault, at a shallow depth of 7 miles—intensifying the shake. “Even mid-range quakes can pack a punch,” said Caltech geophysicist Dr. Hannah Lee.
Experts stress this event does not affect the long-term probability of a major quake, though it offers valuable data for future planning.
Cal OES Director Nancy Ward urged residents to use the moment as a reminder: “Make a plan, secure your space, and stay informed.”
Aftershocks are expected throughout the week. For updates, visit [earthquake.ca.gov](https://earthquake.ca.gov).