Magnitude 5.6 Earthquake Shakes Northern California, Causes Minor Damage and Injuries

A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck Northern California on the morning of June 24, 2026, rattling communities across a large portion of the state and causing minor damage in parts of Mendocino and Lake counties.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at approximately 8:10 a.m. and was centered near Redwood Valley in inland Mendocino County. The epicenter was located about 50 miles east of Mendocino and roughly 120 miles north of San Francisco. The quake originated at a depth of approximately 8 kilometers.

Residents across Northern California reported feeling strong shaking. One Lake County resident told local media that the earthquake lasted around seven seconds, while others described items falling from shelves and walls rattling throughout homes and businesses.

At Ukiah Valley Hospital in Mendocino County, objects were reportedly knocked from shelves during the shaking. Additional damage was reported at a grocery store in Upper Lake, where several wine bottles shattered and spilled onto the floor.

Local officials confirmed that some injuries were reported as a result of the earthquake, though no fatalities were immediately linked to the event. Emergency crews began assessing damage shortly after the shaking stopped.

The governor's office said Governor Gavin Newsom had been briefed on the earthquake and that state officials were coordinating with local emergency responders to evaluate impacts and assist affected communities if needed.

A magnitude 2.5 aftershock was recorded approximately seven minutes after the initial quake, according to the USGS. Seismologists noted that additional aftershocks could occur in the coming days.

Despite the widespread shaking, authorities reported no major structural damage in the relatively sparsely populated region surrounding the epicenter.

California experiences thousands of earthquakes every year due to its extensive network of fault lines. Most are too small to be felt, but larger events serve as reminders of the state's ongoing seismic activity. According to the USGS, only a small percentage of California earthquakes reach a magnitude of 4.0 or greater.

Earthquake Safety Reminders

Emergency officials continue to encourage residents to remember the widely recommended "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" procedure during an earthquake:

• Drop to your hands and knees to avoid being knocked down.

• Cover your head and neck and seek shelter under a sturdy table or desk when possible.

• Hold On to your shelter until the shaking completely stops.

  
  

Preparedness experts also recommend keeping emergency supplies on hand and securing heavy furniture and household items that could fall during seismic activity.

As assessments continue, officials will monitor for additional aftershocks and any reports of further damage stemming from Wednesday morning's earthquake.

Source: KTLA