A magnitude 4.9 earthquake shook Indio, California, on Monday (January 19), causing significant tremors across the Coachella Valley. The earthquake occurred around 5:56 p.m., approximately 12 miles northeast of Indio, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Following the initial quake, nine aftershocks were recorded, with magnitudes ranging from 2.9 to 3.7.
Despite the intense shaking, there were no immediate reports of injuries or significant damage in the area.
The USGS's emergency alert system, ShakeAlert, sent warnings to residents' phones, advising them to take cover. ShakeAlert is designed to provide early warnings to reduce the impact of earthquakes by giving people a brief moment to prepare before the shaking reaches them.
Amy King and Bill Handel break down yesterday’s 4.9-magnitude Indio earthquake, its aftershocks, and the U.S. Geological Survey’s sobering odds of an even larger quake hitting soon.