Magnitude 4.3 earthquake strikes near Ontario, California, early Sunday morning

A magnitude 4.3 earthquake struck early on Sunday morning, October 6, 2024, at 3:51 am local time near Ontario in San Bernardino County, California, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

Preliminary data indicate that the quake occurred at a shallow depth of 5.6 miles, which typically results in stronger tremors felt closer to the surface. Seismologists noted that the magnitude, epicentre, and depth of the quake may be subject to revision in the coming hours as data is analysed and further reports are issued by various agencies. A subsequent report from the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) recorded the earthquake as a magnitude 4.2 event.

Reports of weak to light shaking were received from Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Upland, Riverside, and other nearby areas. Within an hour following the main earthquake, several smaller quakes, ranging from magnitude 1.0 to 1.8, were recorded near Ontario, Corona, and Home Gardens.

Based on initial seismic data, it is likely that many people in the vicinity of the epicentre felt the tremor; however, it is not expected to have caused significant damage, apart from minor incidents such as objects falling from shelves and broken windows.