Earthquakes Near El Centro Today
Live answer from USGS data — every earthquake within 150 km (93 mi) of El Centro, California.
Checking live USGS data near El Centro…
Why El Centro gets earthquakes
El Centro and the Imperial Valley form one of the most seismically active areas in North America. The Imperial fault produced the 1940 El Centro earthquake (M6.9) — whose strong-motion recording became the most studied in engineering history — and again the 1979 Imperial Valley quake (M6.5).
The valley sits where the San Andreas system transitions into the spreading centers of the Gulf of California, producing constant swarms in the Brawley Seismic Zone. The 2010 El Mayor–Cucapah quake (M7.2), just across the border, caused major damage in Imperial County towns.
El Centro earthquake FAQ
▸Did El Centro just have an earthquake?
The live panel at the top of this page checks the USGS catalog for every earthquake within 150 km of El Centro 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 El Centro?
The Imperial fault runs through the valley and produced damaging M6.5+ quakes in 1940 and 1979. The Brawley Seismic Zone generates frequent swarms, and the southern San Andreas, San Jacinto, and Cerro Prieto faults all converge on this region.
▸What magnitude earthquake can you feel in El Centro, 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 El Centro?
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.