5.2 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes San Diego Region

On Monday afternoon, a 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck California near San Diego, centered in Julian, raising concerns about potential damage and the community's preparedness.

A 5.2-magnitude earthquake jolted the San Diego region on Monday afternoon, as reported by the US Geological Survey (USGS). The seismic event occurred at 10:08 AM local time (18:00 GMT) with its epicenter located in Julian—a scenic resort town about an hour northeast of San Diego situated in the Cuyamaca Mountains.

In the immediate fallout of the quake, Perette Godwin, a representative for the City of San Diego, confirmed to the BBC that there were no initial reports of significant structural damage or injuries. This sentiment was echoed by the San Diego sheriff's office, which also noted that the situation was evolving but reported no major incidents as of their latest update.

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, took to X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the earthquake to convey that he had been updated on the emergency situation. Seismologists at USGS indicated that the region experienced a series of aftershocks following the main quake. Fortunately, the National Weather Service stated that there was no significant tsunami risk associated with this event.

Residents in the area received emergency alerts prior to the quake, advising them to prepare for the shaking and seek shelter. Kevin Manaugh, a local resident, recounted the moments preceding the earthquake while he was having breakfast. He described how the alert, which arrived about 15 seconds before the quake initiated, allowed him sufficient time to take cover under a door frame. Although he stated that he had experienced worse quakes in his lifetime, this one was notable for its intensity.

"It was a bit shocking," Manaugh shared, highlighting the duration and ferocity of the tremors, which lasted approximately three seconds. Despite no damage to his home, the experience prompted him to consider the importance of being better prepared for future emergencies. Reflecting on both the quake and recent wildfire threats in Los Angeles, he mentioned the idea of assembling an evacuation bag as a prudent measure for potential future disasters.