A 5.2 magnitude earthquake rattled San Diego and nearby areas on Monday afternoon, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). The quake struck at 10:08 local time (18:00 GMT), with its epicenter located in the resort town of Julian, situated about an hour northeast of San Diego in the Cuyamaca Mountains.
Approximately two hours post-earthquake, Perette Godwin, a spokeswoman for the City of San Diego, informed the BBC that there were no reported instances of structural damage or injuries. The San Diego sheriff's office echoed this sentiment, stating they had not received reports of injuries or significant damage caused by the earthquake, although they described the situation as "developing."
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office quickly provided updates on the situation via X. The USGS also detailed that smaller aftershocks occurred in the region within the hour following the initial quake. The National Weather Service reassured residents that no tsunami was anticipated.
As the earthquake struck, emergency alerts from the USGS prompted residents to seek shelter, with instructions reaching as far as Los Angeles. "Drop, cover, hold on. Protect yourself," the alert emphasized.
Kevin Manaugh, a local resident, recounted his experience during breakfast when he received the emergency alert and sought shelter under a door frame. "Sure enough, the quaking started to happen," he said, adding, "I've lived in San Diego most of my life, I was born here, and this is probably the worst quake that I've ever felt." He described the earthquake as a shocking experience that lasted about three seconds.
While Manaugh's home sustained no damage, the quake prompted him to consider disaster preparedness in case another earthquake occurs. "Between this and the wildfires in Los Angeles, it made me think that it’s probably a good idea to have an evacuation bag," he remarked. As tremors continue to remind residents of their vulnerability, preparedness remains a priority in this earthquake-prone region.
