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Moderate Earthquake Shakes San Diego and Southern California Region
A 5.2 magnitude earthquake impacted San Diego, California, and the broader Southern California region on Monday afternoon, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor, which occurred at 10:08 AM local time (18:00 GMT), had its epicenter located in Julian, California, a mountain town situated in the Cuyamaca Mountains, approximately an hour northeast of San Diego. Initial reports indicate no significant damage or injuries, but authorities are continuing to assess the situation following the seismic activity.
Initial Aftermath and Official Response
Shortly after the earthquake struck, Perette Godwin, a spokesperson for the City of San Diego, informed the BBC that there were no immediate reports of structural damage or casualties.
The San Diego Sheriff’s Department also confirmed they had not “received any reports of injuries or major damage resulting from the earthquake,” while also noting that the situation was “developing.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom was quickly briefed on the seismic event, as confirmed by a post on social media platform X from his office shortly after the earth movement.
The USGS reported ongoing, smaller aftershocks in the affected region during the hour following the initial earthquake.
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Meanwhile, the National Weather Service stated that a tsunami was not anticipated as a result of the earthquake.
Emergency Alerts and Resident Reactions
Leading up to the seismic event, emergency alerts were issued by the USGS, instructing residents, potentially as far as Los Angeles, to seek shelter.
“Drop, cover, hold on. Protect yourself,” the emergency notification advised.
Personal Accounts of the Earthquake
Kevin Manaugh, a San Diego resident, recounted receiving an alert while having breakfast and immediately taking cover under a door frame.
“Sure enough, the quaking started,” Mr. Manaugh stated. “Having lived in San Diego most of my life, I can say this is probably the most intense earthquake I’ve ever experienced.”
“It was quite startling,” he added. “Everything vibrated intensely. The shaking was considerable, lasted perhaps three seconds, and then ceased.”
While his residence sustained no damage, Mr. Manaugh mentioned he would likely take preparedness measures in anticipation of future earthquakes.
“Between this earthquake and the wildfires near Los Angeles, it has prompted me to consider the importance of having an emergency evacuation bag,” he explained.
Earthquake Prediction and Alert Systems
Although earthquakes are famously difficult to predict precisely, the alert system provided crucial lead time—around 15 seconds for Mr. Manaugh—allowing individuals to take precautionary actions.
“The predictive capability provided sufficient time to reach a safe location,” he acknowledged.
Robert de Groot, a team leader for the USGS’s ShakeAlert system, explained that the agency utilizes seismographs and other subsurface sensors across California for rapid detection of ground motion.
These sensors transmit data to a processing center, enabling scientists to evaluate the earthquake’s magnitude and potential impact.
“We analyze about one second of data to assess the situation,” Mr. de Groot noted. USGS data is rapidly disseminated to Google and various earthquake alert applications to warn the public.
In instances of more significant earthquakes, such as the one impacting Southern California on Monday, officials deploy notifications through the wireless emergency alert system to reach individuals potentially in danger.
Earthquake Felt Regionally
Mr. de Groot himself, located in Pasadena, approximately 130 miles north of the epicenter, received the alert and experienced the earthquake firsthand.
Receiving the notification, he promptly sought refuge under a table until the shaking subsided.
“While earthquakes are part of my profession, experiencing the ground shaking is never pleasant,” he concluded.