A 5.2 magnitude earthquake rattled the San Diego region on Monday afternoon, according to the US Geological Survey. The quake struck at 10:08 local time (18:00 GMT), centered in the resort town of Julian, nestled in the Cuyamaca Mountains, approximately an hour northeast of San Diego.
In the immediate aftermath, Perette Godwin, a spokeswoman for the City of San Diego, reported that there were no indications of structural damage or injuries related to the quake. Similarly, the San Diego sheriff's office stated they had not received reports of significant damage or injuries but described the situation as "developing."
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office quickly addressed the event, confirming he had been briefed on the earthquake. Following the initial tremor, the USGS recorded several smaller aftershocks in the vicinity. The National Weather Service reassured the public that a tsunami was not a concern.
Before the quake, emergency alerts from the USGS advised residents to seek shelter against a potential seismic threat. One resident, Kevin Manaugh, shared his experience of receiving the alert while having breakfast. He swiftly took cover under a door frame. "Sure enough, the quaking started to happen," he remarked. "It was the worst quake that I've ever felt."
After the shaking subsided, which lasted roughly three seconds, Manaugh reflected on the alert system's efficiency. The 15-second lead time he received allowed him to secure a safe spot during the tremors. Although his home remained intact, he emphasized the importance of being prepared for future natural disasters, considering the recent earthquakes and wildfires in nearby areas. "It's probably a good idea to have an evacuation bag," he concluded.
