5.2 Earthquake Shakes Southern California, Rattles San Diego/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A preliminary 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck near Julian in San Diego County Monday morning. Tremors were felt across Southern California, including Orange County and the Inland Empire. Authorities are monitoring the area as aftershocks continue, with no injuries or damage reported yet.
San Diego Earthquake: Quick Looks
- Magnitude: Preliminary 5.2 quake struck at 10:08 a.m. Monday
- Epicenter: 2.49 miles south of Julian, San Diego County
- Depth: Approximately 8 miles underground, per USGS
- Aftershocks: At least 7 recorded in the immediate aftermath
- Areas Affected: Felt in Temecula, Orange County, Inland Empire
- No Reported Damage: So far, no injuries or major structural harm
- Earlier Quake: A 3.5 tremor was recorded near Julian Sunday
- Earthquake Safety: San Diego officials urge preparedness, share tips
5.2 Earthquake Shakes Southern California, Rattles San Diego
Deep Look
SAN DIEGO — A 5.2-magnitude earthquake jolted Southern California Monday morning, with the U.S. Geological Survey confirming the tremor occurred at 10:08 a.m. just over two miles south of Julian, a rural mountain community about 60 miles east of San Diego. The quake occurred at a depth of 8 miles beneath the earth’s surface and was followed by at least seven aftershocks in the surrounding area.
Riley Ozuna, owner of the Julian Cafe & Bakery, said some cups fell onto the ground at her business. “But everything is OK,” she said.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the earthquake, his office said in a statement on social media. The state is working with local first responders to assess any damage.
Widespread Shaking Reported
Tremors were felt across multiple counties, including Orange County, Riverside County (Temecula), and parts of the Inland Empire. Several residents took to social media to report shaking in homes, office buildings, and even vehicles.
KCAL News reported a noticeable swaying of buildings in downtown San Diego, while residents in Santee and Escondido also reported brief but sharp shaking.
“It lasted only a few seconds but was strong enough to rattle windows,” said CBS 8 reporter Abbie Black, who was in Santee when the quake hit.
Earlier Quake a Possible Foreshock
The Monday morning event came less than 24 hours after a magnitude 3.5 quake struck the same area on Sunday afternoon at 3:54 p.m. That quake occurred roughly three miles south of Julian and did not cause any reported injuries or damage. The USGS has not confirmed if Sunday’s quake served as a foreshock to the larger Monday tremor.
No Immediate Damage or Injuries
As of 11:00 a.m., no injuries or significant structural damage have been reported, according to local emergency services. Officials have begun inspecting critical infrastructure and key roadways to assess any potential hazards.
City Issues Earthquake Safety Reminders
The City of San Diego issued a public advisory shortly after the quake, reminding residents about best practices before, during, and after earthquakes:
Before a Quake:
- Identify safe zones like under sturdy tables
- Secure items on walls and shelves
- Keep an emergency kit with food, water, flashlights, and first aid
During a Quake:
- Indoors: Drop, cover, and hold on
- Outdoors: Stay away from power lines and buildings
- In a vehicle: Pull over and stop, avoiding bridges and underpasses
After a Quake:
- Check for gas leaks, fires, and structural damage
- Wear protective clothing to avoid injury from debris
- Be alert for aftershocks, which can follow for days
What If It Were Bigger? Earthquake Forecasts Paint Sobering Picture
Seismic experts say this quake is a reminder of much larger risks. A 2020 study by the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute found that a 6.9-magnitude quake along the Rose Canyon Fault — which closely follows Interstate 5 through downtown San Diego — could cause $38 billion in damage and as many as 800 deaths.
“We cannot predict earthquakes,” said Dr. Pat Abbott, geology professor emeritus at San Diego State University. “But geologically, we are overdue for a major event — possibly a magnitude 7.8 — near the Salton Sea.”
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