M5.6 California

Similar Stochastic Events | Summary
Posting Date: June 24, 2026, 4:00:00 PM

A preliminary magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck inland Mendocino County in Northern California at 8:10 am local time Wednesday. The quake was centered about 7 miles north of Redwood Valley at a depth of about 5 miles and was followed several minutes later by a 2.5-magnitude aftershock. USGS later reported additional preliminary magnitude 2.7 and 2.6 quakes in the same area about an hour afterward. The epicenter sits in a lightly populated area roughly 120 miles north of San Francisco and 140 miles northwest of Sacramento. According to the USGS, about 17,000 people live in areas subjected to strong or very strong shaking on the Modified Mercalli (MMI) scale.

So far, the impacts appear relatively limited despite the moderate magnitude. No major damage has been reported, though shaking was felt as far away as Sacramento and most of the population of Willits lost power. In nearby Ukiah, the deputy city manager said there was no apparent major damage, with reports of pictures falling off walls and similar minor issues but no reports of serious injury or significant structural damage. This is consistent with what a quake of this size typically produces near the epicenter—moderate shaking that can knock items off shelves and cause minor damage rather than widespread destruction.  The Verisk ALERT team’s initial analysis of this event, including looking at potential similar stochastic events, indicate non-material insured loss estimates.  

The Verisk ALERT and earthquake modeling teams will continue to monitor the situation; however, no additional postings are planned at this time.

Similar Stochastic Events | Downloads
Posting Date: June 24, 2026, 4:00:00 PM

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