This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
4.3 magnitude earthquake strikes east of Bakersfield
The quake struck about 70 miles east of Bakersfield.
(
Courtesy U.S. Geological Survey
)
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 4.3 struck about 70 miles east of Bakersfield on Monday morning, with residents reporting shaking from Ridgecrest to Orange County.
It was not immediately clear if any damage has been reported. (The U.S. Geological survey reported the magnitude as 4.3 on its website and as 4.1 on social media.)
Good morning Southern California! Did you feel the magnitude 4.1 earthquake about 11 miles southwest of Johannesburg at 9:40 am? The ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning System was Activated.
— USGS ShakeAlert (@USGS_ShakeAlert) July 13, 2026
Learn more about this earthquake: https://t.co/Q4RwdeltLQ@Cal_OES @ReadyLACounty… pic.twitter.com/5tNWzDENCU
The USGS ShakeAlert system issued early warnings in some areas.
This is the second earthquake in this area in as many days. A 4.1 shook Frazier Park early Sunday.
Interesting times near the Garlock fault. A M4.1 near the western end of the Garlock on Saturday and a M4.1 near the central section a few minutes ago. But neither is actually on the Garlock fault. The first is a thrust fault (maybe the Pleito fault) and today's is in a swarm south of the Garlock.
— Lucy Jones (@drlucyjones.bsky.social) 2026-07-13T17:02:00.544Z
-
"We should certainly expect to experience large earthquakes in our lifetimes," one of the researchers told LAist.
Sponsored message
We have earthquake resources
We don't want to scare you, but the Big One is coming. We don't know when, but we know it'll be at least 44 times stronger than Northridge and 11 times stronger than the Ridgecrest quakes in 2019. To help you get prepared, we've compiled a handy reading list:
- Your guide to surviving the Big One
- For earthquakes, forget the 'go-bag.' Here's how to prepare
- How to not get life-threatening diarrhea after a major earthquake
- 10 earthquake-related questions to ask your landlord immediately
- How to prepare for an earthquake if you have a disability
Listen to our podcast
Listen
31:11
Listen: The Big One
Experience what the first hours after a massive earthquake could be like and get motivated to get ready.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
