In brief
Residents experienced a jolt as the quake originated in Julian, located in the Cuyamaca Mountains, yet safety alerts allowed many to prepare quickly.
A 5.2 magnitude earthquake jolted the San Diego region of California on Monday afternoon, registering at 10:08 AM local time (18:00 GMT). According to the US Geological Survey, the quake’s epicenter was near the resort town of Julian, approximately an hour northeast of San Diego, located in the picturesque Cuyamaca Mountains.Despite the tremor, which prompted immediate alerts from emergency services, officials reported no structural damage or injuries. Perette Godwin, a representative from the City of San Diego, confirmed that there were no immediate concerns about the earthquake’s impact. Similarly, the San Diego sheriff's office stated it had not received any reports of injuries or significant damage, indicating the situation was under assessment.California Governor Gavin Newsom's team took to X to announce that he was updated on the event shortly after it occurred. The US Geological Survey also mentioned minor aftershocks in the region following the initial quake, though the National Weather Service reassured communities that no tsunami was anticipated as a result.Before the earthquake hit, the USGS issued emergency alerts advising residents to take cover, with recommendations to "Drop, cover, hold on." Kevin Manaugh, who was having breakfast when he got the alert, shared that he quickly moved to a door frame for safety. He remarked on the severity of the shaking, describing it as one of the worst quakes he had ever felt in his lifetime as a San Diego resident. The quake lasted roughly three seconds, and while his home remained unharmed, the event sparked thoughts of preparedness for future emergencies. "With this and the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles, it's clear to me that having an evacuation bag is a wise precaution," he reflected.
