5.2-Magnitude San Diego Earthquake Jolts Southern California – Here’s What We Know
A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck San Diego, California, on Monday afternoon, shaking residents across Southern California and sending out emergency alerts as far away as Los Angeles.
The earthquake in San Diego today was reported by the US Geological Survey (USGS) at exactly 10:08 AM local time, with the epicenter in Julian, California, a quaint mountain resort town about an hour northeast of downtown San Diego.
“Drop, Cover, Hold On”: How Residents Reacted to the Quake
The USGS earthquake alert system swung into action just seconds before the ground began to tremble. Emergency notifications instructed people to “drop, cover, and hold on” — advice that many heeded.
Kevin Manaugh, a local resident, received the alert while eating breakfast and quickly ducked under a doorway.
“Sure enough, the quaking started to happen,” he said. “Everything shook, it shook a lot. It rattled around and lasted maybe three seconds, and then it was over.”
Though his house sustained no damage, the experience left a lasting impact.
“Between this and the wildfires in Los Angeles, it made me think that it’s probably a good idea to have an evacuation bag,” Manaugh added.
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Was There Any Damage?
According to Perette Godwin, a spokesperson for the City of San Diego, there were no reports of structural damage or injuries as of a couple of hours after the earthquake.
The San Diego Sheriff’s Office echoed the same, noting the situation was still “developing.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office was also briefed shortly after the quake and continues to monitor the situation.
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USGS ShakeAlert System Explained
While earthquakes are difficult to predict, the USGS ShakeAlert system has proven to be a powerful early warning tool.
Robert de Groot, a team lead for the ShakeAlert system, explained that the system uses sensors embedded in the ground to detect the first signs of seismic activity.
“We use about a second’s worth of data to determine what is going on,” he said. That information is then sent instantly to Google and various earthquake apps, ensuring alerts go out in real-time.
Even Mr. de Groot himself felt the shaking in Pasadena, nearly 130 miles north of Julian, and took cover after receiving the alert.
“Nobody likes the ground shaking,” he said, “even though earthquakes are my day job.”
No Tsunami Threat, But Aftershocks Possible
The National Weather Service confirmed there is no tsunami risk from the quake. However, smaller aftershocks continued to be recorded by the USGS in the hours that followed.
Earthquake Preparedness Is Key
Whether you’re in Julian, California, San Diego, or Los Angeles, earthquakes can strike with little warning. Experts recommend keeping an emergency kit ready and knowing safe spots in your home.
As earthquakes today remind us, especially in quake-prone regions like California, being informed and prepared can make all the difference.
Final Thoughts
This San Diego earthquake is a clear reminder of the region’s seismic reality. Although no major damage or injuries have been reported, the 5.2-magnitude earthquake in California left residents rattled — and better prepared.
Stay alert, stay informed, and if you ever get that notification? Remember: drop, cover, and hold on.
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