Two Dead After Calexico Quake Jolts Southern California

Updated at 7:48 pm (Pacific Time).

The Mexican government has confirmed two people dead after a 7.2 magnitude quake shook northern Mexico and the southern part of California on Easter Sunday. One of the deaths was caused by a collapsed home in Mexicali. The local Red Cross in Mexicali has reported that at least 50 people have been injured.

The 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck near Calexico, Mexico at 3:40 pm (Pacific Time). The magnitude was upgraded from an original 6.9 by the USGS. The quake was about 281 miles south of Los Angeles, where it was also felt. Shaking in Los Angeles lasted for about 30 seconds. The quake was also felt strongly in San Diego, California; Phoenix and Yuma, Arizona. Shaking was felt as far north as Santa Barbara and as far east as Las Vegas.

According to the USGS, the earthquake’s epicenter was near Guadalupe Victoria in Baja California, about 40 miles from the US-Mexico border. The area has been getting hit with smaller quakes over recent months.

The earthquake was 32.2 miles deep and it took place in a not so populated area. No damage has been reported on the US side of the border. Two strong aftershocks followed the main quake, including a 5.1 magnitude a mile away from Imperial, CA.

According to El Universal.mx newspaper, there has been damage in Victoria Guadalupe including down telephone lines. The paper also reports that a few people have suffered panic attacks. Damage was also reported in Mexicali.

The USGS estimates that the earthquake traveled between 30 to 40 miles of fault lines. Fault rupture is possible into California. The USGS is investigating which fault caused the quake.