In the early hours of January 15, 2026, residents of Imperial County, California, were reminded of the region’s seismic underpinnings when two earthquakes—one mild and one moderate—shook the area near Holtville. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the first tremor, a 3.5 magnitude quake, struck at 1:40 a.m. with its epicenter situated roughly 5 miles west of Holtville at a depth of 10 miles. Just 18 minutes later, a second, smaller quake measuring 2.1 on the magnitude scale was registered approximately 4 miles west of Holtville at a depth of 5 miles.
Though these quakes were not powerful enough to cause widespread alarm or damage, they were certainly felt by some in the region. The USGS’s "Did You Feel It?" online reporting system collected 24 responses from individuals who experienced the 3.5 magnitude tremor. Reports of weak shaking came in from cities such as Heber and Imperial, underscoring how even moderate earthquakes can make their presence known across a broad area.
For many, these events were a stark reminder of California’s ever-present seismic activity. The USGS emphasizes that magnitude, which measures the energy released at the earthquake’s source, has replaced the old Richter scale as the standard. Earthquakes between 2.5 and 5.4 in magnitude are often felt but rarely cause significant damage, according to Michigan Tech. Quakes below 2.5 magnitude, like the second tremor on January 15, are seldom noticed by most people.
These two quakes were not isolated incidents. In the week leading up to January 15, the region experienced another measurable event: a 2.7 magnitude earthquake near Ocotillo, California, on January 11. While this earlier quake was also too weak to inflict damage, it contributed to a pattern of seismic activity that locals have grown accustomed to.
Imperial County’s experience is far from unique. According to the Department of Homeland Security, earthquakes can happen anywhere, but they are most common in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico, and Washington. Globally, it is estimated that there are 500,000 detectable earthquakes each year. Of these, about 100,000 are felt, and only around 100 cause any real damage. These statistics help put the recent Imperial County tremors into perspective: while unsettling, they are part of a much larger tapestry of seismic activity that spans the globe.
Still, the sudden, rapid shaking of an earthquake can be unnerving and, in rare cases, dangerous. Earthquakes can trigger fires, tsunamis, landslides, or avalanches, depending on their strength and location. The USGS and other agencies stress the importance of preparedness and knowing what to do when the ground starts to move.
So, what should you do if you find yourself in the midst of an earthquake? Experts are clear: protect yourself right away. The best advice is to "drop, cover, and hold on." As officials put it, "Wherever you are, drop down to your hands and knees and hold onto something sturdy." If you’re in a wheelchair or using a walker with a seat, make sure the wheels are locked and remain seated until the shaking stops. Cover your head and neck with your arms, and if possible, crawl under a sturdy table. If no shelter is available, move to an interior wall away from windows.
For those in vehicles when an earthquake hits, the guidance is straightforward: pull over and stop, and set your parking brake. If you’re in bed, turn face-down and cover your head with a pillow. If you’re outdoors, stay away from buildings and don’t go inside. If you’re indoors, stay put—don’t run outside, and stay away from doorways, which are not the safe havens they’re often believed to be.
Officials also warn that the dangers don’t necessarily end when the shaking stops. "There can be serious hazards after an earthquake, such as damage to the building, leaking gas and water lines, or downed power lines," they caution. Aftershocks are common, and people should be ready to drop, cover, and hold on again if they feel more tremors.
The recent quakes in Imperial County have prompted some residents to reflect on their own preparedness. While the 3.5 magnitude quake did not cause injuries or damage, it was strong enough to be felt by dozens of people. The USGS encourages everyone who experiences a quake, no matter how minor, to submit a report through the USGS Felt Report form. These firsthand accounts help scientists better understand how earthquakes are experienced across different locations and structures.
Looking back at the seismic activity of the past week, it’s clear that Imperial County sits within a dynamic and restless landscape. The January 11 quake near Ocotillo, measuring 2.7 in magnitude, was also reported by the USGS and was part of the same seismic sequence as the January 15 events. Each of these tremors, while minor in isolation, forms part of a broader pattern that scientists monitor closely.
California’s long history with earthquakes has fostered a culture of vigilance and readiness. While most quakes are little more than a brief jolt, the possibility of a larger, more destructive event is never far from mind. The USGS and other agencies continually update their advice and resources to help residents stay safe. "Expect aftershocks to follow the main shock of an earthquake. Be ready to Drop, Cover, and Hold On if you feel an aftershock," officials advise.
For now, life in Imperial County continues as usual, but the events of January 15 serve as a timely reminder that the ground beneath us is always in motion. Whether it’s a faint tremor or a more noticeable jolt, each quake is a call to stay prepared, informed, and ready to act if needed. With hundreds of thousands of earthquakes occurring worldwide each year, the people of California are, in many ways, uniquely equipped to handle whatever the earth decides to throw their way.
As the sun rises over Holtville and the surrounding communities, the recent quakes fade into memory. Yet, for those who felt the ground shake in the early morning darkness, the experience is a vivid reminder of the unpredictable nature of life along California’s fault lines—and the enduring importance of being prepared for whatever comes next.