California Earthquake Magnitude 5.0 Quake Hits Near Susanville, Triggers Moderate Shaking Across Northern California and Western Nevada
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA — A magnitude 5.0 earthquake rattled large parts of Northern California on Sunday afternoon, striking about 9 miles northwest of Susanville and sending noticeable shaking across rural communities in Lassen County and into western Nevada.
According to seismic data shown in the ShakeMap images, the earthquake occurred at 4:41 p.m. local time and was centered at a shallow depth of roughly 5.4 kilometers, a factor that increased how strongly the shaking was felt at the surface.
Where the Earthquake Was Felt Most Strongly
The strongest shaking was concentrated near Susanville, where intensity levels reached Moderate (Level V) on the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale. Residents in and around the city reported clear ground movement, rattling windows, and brief shaking lasting several seconds.
Light to moderate shaking extended across a wide region, including:
- Lassen County and surrounding rural areas
- Burney, Red Bluff, and parts of Shasta County
- Truckee and Reno, Nevada
- Portions of northeastern California’s mountain communities
While shaking weakened farther from the epicenter, the quake was felt across hundreds of miles due to the region’s geology.
Damage Outlook and Safety Impact
At Magnitude 5.0, earthquakes of this size can cause minor damage, especially to older buildings or unsecured objects. Based on the intensity map:
- No widespread structural damage is expected
- Minor interior damage such as fallen items or cracked plaster is possible near the epicenter
- No immediate reports of injuries or major infrastructure issues have surfaced
Emergency officials activated monitoring systems, and residents were urged to remain alert for possible aftershocks.
Why This Earthquake Was Widely Noticed
The quake’s shallow depth played a major role in how strongly it was felt. Shallow earthquakes transfer more energy to the surface, making even moderate-magnitude events noticeable over a broad area.
The region around Susanville sits near several fault systems linked to the Walker Lane Belt, an active seismic zone that accommodates movement between the Pacific and North American tectonic plates.
Aftershocks and What to Expect Next
Aftershocks are possible in the hours or days following a quake of this size. Most aftershocks, if they occur, are typically smaller but can still be felt locally.
Residents are advised to:
- Secure heavy furniture and hanging items
- Check emergency supplies
- Avoid damaged structures until they are inspected
- Stay informed through official alerts and local authorities
Why Earthquake Awareness Matters in Northern California
Northern California regularly experiences seismic activity, though most quakes go unnoticed. Events like this serve as an important reminder that earthquake preparedness remains critical, especially in rural and mountainous regions where emergency response can take longer.
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