A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck near San Diego, California, on Monday afternoon, sending tremors through the region, according to the US Geological Survey. The quake hit at 10:08 AM local time, with its epicenter located in the picturesque town of Julian, nestled in the Cuyamaca Mountains approximately an hour northeast of San Diego.
In the aftermath of the seismic event, Perette Godwin, a spokesperson for the City of San Diego, informed BBC News that there were, as of two hours post-quake, no reports of injuries or structural damage. Similarly, the San Diego sheriff's office communicated that they had not yet received calls regarding major damages or casualties, although they categorized the situation as "developing."
Following the earthquake, Governor Gavin Newsom's office updated the public via X, stating he had been briefed about the incident. The USGS noted a series of smaller aftershocks in the affected area shortly after the initial tremor. The National Weather Service also confirmed that no tsunami warning would follow this earthquake.
In the run-up to the tremor, USGS issued emergency alerts advising residents to seek shelter, alerting those as far away as Los Angeles. One resident, Kevin Manaugh, who was having breakfast at the time of the quake, recounted receiving the alert moments before the shaking began, allowing him to take cover. “It was a bit shocking," he shared. "I’ve lived in San Diego most of my life, and this is probably the worst quake that I’ve ever felt.”
Manaugh described the intensity of the quake, saying it lasted about three seconds and caused everything to shake significantly. Although his home suffered no damage, the experience prompted him to consider being better prepared for future earthquakes, reflecting on the increasing risk given California’s wildfire threats and geological instability. "It’s probably a good idea to have an evacuation bag," he concluded.
