The Magnitude 4.3 earthquake that woke the San Francisco Bay Area occurred early Monday, centered near Berkeley. This was the strongest quake in the region in three years, with the event happening at 2:56 a.m. on September 22, 2025.
- Earthquake magnitude 4.3 shook Bay Area early Monday
- Epicenter near Berkeley, close to UC Berkeley campus
- Felt as "light" shaking across multiple cities
- No major damage reported, some minor incidents
- Aftershock magnitude 2.6 occurred near Claremont
- Hayward Fault poses significant earthquake risk in region
The quake’s epicenter was near the corner of Dwight Way and Piedmont Avenue, close to UC Berkeley. Light shaking was felt across Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco, and nearby areas, including Albany and Walnut Creek. No major damage was reported, but some windows shattered, dishes spilled, and store shelves toppled. An aftershock of magnitude 2.6 hit near Claremont and Ashby avenues at 8:01 a.m., following a smaller quake 17 minutes earlier.
- The earthquake was felt as far as Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz.
- The event activated the USGS ShakeAlert early warning app, with some users hearing alerts before shaking started.
- The quake occurred near the Hayward fault, known for its potential for large earthquakes, including the 1868 magnitude 7 event.
- USGS estimates a future magnitude 7 quake could kill 800 people and injure 18,000 along 52 miles of the fault.
While no severe damage was reported, minor injuries and property issues highlight ongoing risks in the region. Residents are advised to review earthquake safety plans and stay alert for aftershocks.
Stay informed through early warning apps and prepare emergency kits. Learn more about earthquake safety at latimes.com/Unshaken.
