Magnitude 5.2 Quake Hits Julian, California
Southern California experienced a sharp jolt Monday morning when a strong earthquake struck near the mountain town of Julian, rattling communities across San Diego County and beyond.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) initially measured the earthquake at a magnitude of 5.2, with its epicenter located near Julian, a small town known for its apple pie, roughly 35 miles northeast of San Diego and 120 miles south of Los Angeles.
No Major Damage or Injuries Reported
Despite the quake’s strength, officials reported no significant damage or injuries. According to the USGS, most structures in the area are built to withstand seismic activity, minimizing widespread damage. However, risks such as landslides and liquefaction still remain in quake-prone areas.
Local authorities, including the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and Julian’s fire station, confirmed that they had received no emergency calls or reports of damage. Business owners like Riley Ozuna of the Julian Cafe & Bakery noted minor disruptions like fallen cups but emphasized, “everything is OK.”
Governor Newsom Responds
California Governor Gavin Newsom acknowledged the earthquake on social media and stated that he had been briefed by emergency response teams. The governor’s office is working with local authorities to assess the situation and determine if additional emergency resources are required.
Shake Alert System Put to the Test
This earthquake served as a real-time test for California’s Shake Alert early warning system, operated by the USGS. The system sends alerts via Android devices, cell phone apps, and emergency broadcast networks.
In San Diego—located about 40 miles from the epicenter—residents received alerts up to 14 seconds before the shaking started, giving them crucial seconds to prepare by dropping, covering, and holding on.
A Cluster of Quakes: Aftershocks Follow
This wasn’t the only seismic activity in the area. On Sunday evening, just hours before the larger quake, a magnitude 3.5 tremor occurred. After the main 5.2 quake on Monday, aftershocks quickly followed, with additional quakes measuring 3.0 and 2.5 reported minutes later near Julian.