RIDGECREST, CALIFORNIA - JULY 04: A local resident inspects a fissure in the earth after a 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck the area on July 4, 2019 near Ridgecrest, California. The earthquake was the largest to strike Southern California in 20 years with the epicenter located in a remote area of the Mojave Desert. The temblor was felt by residents across much of Southern California. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
San Diego, California – A moderate 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck near San Diego at 10:08 a.m. PDT on Monday, sending tremors across a wide swath of Southern California and into Mexico, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The epicenter of the earthquake was located approximately 2.49 miles south of Julian, a historic mining town nestled in the Cuyamaca Mountains of San Diego County.
The USGS reported that the earthquake’s impact was felt broadly, with residents from Los Angeles County down to the Mexican border reporting shaking. Seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones indicated that the earthquake is likely associated with the Elsinore Fault, a significant branch of the extensive San Andreas Fault system. The quake originated at a depth of about eight miles below the Earth’s surface.
While initial reports are still coming in, there have been no immediate confirmations of significant injuries or widespread damage. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria addressed the situation on X, stating that the city had “experienced a strong earthquake centered near Julian.” He added that there was “no known visible or major damage to the city so far” and that he was in communication with local, state, and federal officials. Mayor Gloria urged residents to report any damage in their communities through the city’s “Get It Done” platform.
In the immediate aftermath of the main quake, at least seven aftershocks were recorded in the vicinity of the epicenter within the first six minutes. These aftershocks ranged in magnitude from 2.5 to 3.0, further unsettling residents in the area.
Eyewitness accounts from Julian described the experience as significant. Robin Boland of the Julian Chamber of Commerce noted that the shaking felt prolonged and caused widespread reaction in the small town, with people rushing outside and car alarms being triggered. Dylan Carniero, who was inside a liquor store in Julian, recounted bottles falling off shelves due to the shaking.
Residents further afield also described the jolt. A Carlsbad resident described a “very violent jolt” that lasted approximately ten seconds, causing their building to sway. Ashley Pinnick from Ramona reported hearing cracking in her home’s ceiling and fearing a collapse.
San Diego County firefighter Jarrett Ross, stationed in Julian, confirmed that they felt the earthquake but reported “nothing too crazy” and no calls for injuries or damage to their station. He estimated the shaking lasted around five seconds.
Notably, some individuals on social media reported receiving early warnings on their cellphones through the ShakeAlert system, providing crucial seconds of notice before the stronger shaking arrived.
The USGS indicated that the strongest shaking was likely concentrated in sparsely populated areas near the epicenter, potentially causing minor damage like moving furniture. In more densely populated coastal areas, the shaking was generally lighter, akin to the vibrations caused by a heavy truck passing by.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation for any reports of damage or injuries as residents across the region assess the impact of the morning’s earthquake.
