Southern California residents were rattled Monday morning as a 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck near Julian, sending tremors through the region and triggering a swarm of aftershocks.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the quake hit at 10:08 AM PDT on April 14, 2025, with its epicenter located just two miles south of Julian, about 60 miles east of San Diego. The quake originated at a depth of 8 miles, a depth shallow enough to be strongly felt on the surface.
What Areas Felt the Quake?
The shaking was widely felt across San Diego County, as well as parts of Riverside, Imperial, and Orange counties. While no serious injuries or damage have been reported as of publication, residents described the jolt as “strong and sudden,” with some brief items falling off shelves.
Multiple Aftershocks Followed
Within an hour of the main quake, several aftershocks rippled through the area, some exceeding 3.0 in magnitude, according to USGS tracking. Seismologists have warned that aftershocks could continue over the next 24 to 48 hours.
If you felt the quake, the USGS encourages reporting it on their “Did You Feel It?” page to help scientists better understand the quake’s reach and intensity.
No Tsunami Risk, But Stay Alert
Despite the quake’s strength, officials confirmed there is no tsunami threat. However, residents are advised to remain vigilant.
The area around Julian, a mountain town known for its apple pie and weekend hikes, lies close to several fault lines. While it’s not uncommon for small tremors to occur in the region, a 5.2 magnitude is considered strong enough to cause structural damage if it had struck closer to a major population center.
San Diego officials have confirmed there was no significant infrastructure damage reported across the county as of 11 AM.
What Should You Do Now?
If you’re in the affected area:
- Check gas lines and electrical systems for any visible damage.
- Be prepared for aftershocks, especially over the next 48 hours.
- Have your emergency kit ready: water, flashlight, batteries, first aid, food.
- Download the MyShake app or turn on emergency alerts on your phone.
California’s Quake History Remains Active
California continues to be one of the most seismically active regions in the U.S., second only to Alaska. The state experiences thousands of earthquakes annually, although most are too small to be felt.
Monday’s earthquake is now one of the largest in Southern California so far this year, following a quieter-than-average seismic pattern in the first quarter of 2025.
More Resources:
- How to Prepare for an Earthquake – Ready.gov
- California Fault Lines to Watch – USGS Map
- Live Earthquake Data Tracker – USGS
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
Stay safe. If you felt the quake or experienced damage, let your local authorities know. And remember, “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” isn’t just a drill.
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