Earthquakes Near Anaheim Today
Live answer from USGS data — every earthquake within 150 km (93 mi) of Anaheim, California.
Checking live USGS data near Anaheim…
Why Anaheim gets earthquakes
Anaheim and northern Orange County sit between the Newport–Inglewood fault along the coast and the Whittier fault — the northern branch of the Elsinore fault zone — in the hills to the northeast. The Puente Hills blind thrust system also extends beneath parts of the area.
The 1987 Whittier Narrows earthquake (M5.9), on a blind thrust just north of here, caused eight deaths and widespread damage across the San Gabriel Valley and Orange County. The 1933 Long Beach quake also hit Anaheim's older downtown hard.
Anaheim earthquake FAQ
▸Did Anaheim just have an earthquake?
The live panel at the top of this page checks the USGS catalog for every earthquake within 150 km of Anaheim and answers in one line. Keep in mind USGS data lags real shaking by roughly 2–3 minutes in California and up to ~8 minutes in other regions — if you felt something seconds ago, refresh shortly.
▸What faults cause earthquakes near Anaheim?
Anaheim's nearest sources are the Whittier fault (an Elsinore branch) in the hills northeast, the Newport–Inglewood fault toward the coast, and the Puente Hills blind thrust system, which caused the 1987 Whittier Narrows M5.9 quake.
▸What magnitude earthquake can you feel in Anaheim, CA?
Close to the epicenter, people typically begin to feel earthquakes around magnitude 2.5–3.0. An M4+ is felt across a wide area and rattles objects; M5+ can damage buildings near the epicenter. Shallow quakes feel stronger than deep ones of the same magnitude, and soft soils amplify shaking.
▸What should I do if I feel an earthquake in Anaheim?
Drop, Cover, and Hold On — get low, take cover under sturdy furniture, and hold on until shaking stops. Afterward, check for hazards like gas leaks, and expect possible aftershocks. If you're in a coastal area and the shaking is strong or lasts a long time, move inland or to high ground. Official guidance: ready.gov/earthquakes.