A moderate earthquake with a magnitude of 5.2 rattled San Diego, California, on Monday afternoon, according to data from the US Geological Survey (USGS). The quake occurred at 10:08 a.m. local time (18:00 GMT), with its epicenter located in Julian, a resort town situated in the Cuyamaca Mountains, approximately 60 miles northeast of San Diego.
Perette Godwin, a spokesperson for the City of San Diego, stated two hours post-quake that there were no immediate reports of injuries or structural damage in the area. The San Diego County sheriff's office echoed this sentiment, indicating that they had not received notices of major damages or injuries but acknowledged it as a "developing situation."
Following the seismic event, California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office informed the public via X platform that he had been briefed about the incident. The USGS further reported minor aftershocks within the hour post the quake.
Emergency alerts dispatched prior to the shaking advised residents to take cover and seek safety, some residents described the moments leading up to the quake as filled with anxiety. Kevin Manaugh, a local resident who experienced the quake during breakfast, shared that he felt it was one of the most intense quakes he has felt throughout his life in San Diego.
"It was a bit shocking," Manaugh recounted. "Everything shook, it shook a lot. It rattled around and lasted maybe three seconds."
Although his home sustained no damage, Manaugh expressed the importance of preparedness, especially in light of other natural disasters such as wildfires. "I think it’s a good idea to have an evacuation bag ready," he added, highlighting the unpredictability of earthquakes. Fortunately, the National Weather Service reassured the public that no tsunami was anticipated from this seismic activity.
