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4.6 magnitude earthquake shakes Santa Cruz Mountains, minor damage reported

4.6 magnitude earthquake shakes Santa Cruz Mountains, minor damage reported
A 4.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Santa Cruz Mountains region at approximately 1:40 AM PT on Thursday, April 2, 2026, with its epicenter near Boulder Creek, California, prompting residents to report shaking and minor property damage across nearby communities.

The tremor was felt strongly in surrounding areas, including Felton, located about five miles from the epicenter. Surveillance footage captured inside a residence in Felton shows the sudden jolt as objects shifted and fell during the early morning quake. The video, recorded by a home security camera, provides a clear view of the intensity of the shaking within seconds of impact.

Homeowner Keith Swick reported that several items were knocked off shelves inside his home. He also observed structural concerns, including a separation in one of the wooden ceiling beams and a visible crack in wall paint. Swick stated that he plans to consult a contractor to assess whether the damage requires repairs, noting that this was the strongest earthquake he has experienced in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Residents described the initial moment of the quake as abrupt and forceful. Swick said he initially believed a large tree had fallen onto his property due to the intensity of the impact. Others in the area echoed similar reactions, describing the event as brief but strong enough to disrupt sleep.

At a local pharmacy in Boulder Creek, employees reported minor disarray following the tremor. Items such as deodorants and toiletries fell from shelves in one aisle, though no injuries or significant structural damage were reported at the location.

Longtime residents also compared the experience to past seismic events. While some noted that the shaking was noticeable, it was not comparable in scale or impact to the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. However, the event was strong enough to prompt concern among those awakened by the tremor.

Authorities have not reported any serious injuries or major infrastructure damage as a result of the earthquake. Officials continue to monitor the situation, while residents assess minor impacts and remain alert to possible aftershocks in the region.

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