Caltech Seismological Laboratory

Large destructive earthquakes near Cuba and the S. Philippines this week have prompted questions on whether they are related. While they occurred close in time, quakes separated by such a distance are almost always unrelated. Multiple M6+/7+ quakes occur globally every year.

These large events should be a reminder to always work on your personal and community preparedness. Our thoughts are with the communities affected by these events.

More on the quakes:
https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/earthquake-magnitude-73-strikes-mindanao-philippines-gfz-says-2026-06-07/
https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/strong-earthquake-strikes-off-cubas-northwest-coast-2026-06-08/

Powerful Philippine quake leaves at least 32 feared dead, survivors recount fear The death toll in a powerful 7.8‑magnitude earthquake off the southern Philippine island of Mindanao on Monday ​has risen to at least 32, with dozens of people injured, disaster officials said, as Manila stepped up search and rescue operations.

Many of our stations, like this one near Westmorland, are spaced throughout the state's deserts and serve a vital role collecting data in our more swarm prone regions! This station contributed heavily to the recent Brawley swarm which produced hundreds of events including multiple M4 quakes!

It's June, and the Seismo Lab and Southern California Seismic Network (SCSN) are proud to celebrate and support the LGBTQIA+ scientists, engineers, staff, students, and community members who help advance our understanding of earthquakes and the Earth itself.

Science is strengthened by a diversity in perspectives, experiences, and voices. The work we do, from monitoring and reporting quakes across SoCal to developing new tools and discoveries, is made possible by the people who bring those perspectives to our lab every day.

To our LGBTQIA+ colleagues, friends and supporters: you are seen, valued, and celebrated. Happy Pride Month!