3.9 Earthquake Hits Near Indio

A magnitude 3.9 earthquake struck a desert area near the Coachella Valley Wednesday afternoon, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.

The temblor, which caused no damage or injuries, was centered 11 miles east-northeast of Indio and occurred at 3:47 p.m. Its depth was 5 miles below the surface.

Lucy Jones, the scientist in charge of the Geological Survey office in Pasadena, said the quake was seven miles from the San Andreas Fault, far enough to ease any fears that it could trigger a larger jolt on that major fault.

First entries on a Geological Survey Web site by people who experienced the quake said it was felt moderately in Indio and Salton City and more lightly in Palm Springs.