A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck near Julian in San Diego County at 10:08 a.m. local time on Monday, April 14, 2025, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The quake's epicenter was recorded approximately 2.5 miles south of Julian, at a depth of about 8 miles. Tremors from the quake were felt widely across Southern California and even reached areas as far away as Los Angeles, over 100 miles from the epicenter.
The USGS reported that the earthquake registered an intensity of IV on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale, indicating light shaking that can cause rattling of windows and doors. Following the initial quake, at least seven aftershocks were recorded in the Julian area, with magnitudes ranging from 2.5 to 3.0. The strongest aftershock occurred shortly after the main quake.
Seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones confirmed that the earthquake is likely associated with the Elsinore Fault, a branch of the larger San Andreas Fault system. She noted that the tremor followed a smaller 3.3-magnitude earthquake that occurred in the same area on Sunday afternoon, April 13, which may have served as a foreshock to the larger quake.
In the immediate aftermath, emergency alerts were issued by the USGS, urging residents to "Drop, Cover, Hold On" as a precautionary measure. Residents across the region took to social media to share their experiences. One resident in Carlsbad described the quake as a "very violent jolt" that lasted about ten seconds, while another in Julian reported hearing consecutive bursts and pops as bottles fell off the shelves at a local liquor store.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria stated on X (formerly Twitter) that there were no known reports of significant damage or injuries in the city so far. "San Diego experienced a strong earthquake centered near Julian. There's no known visible or major damage to the city so far, and I'm in communication with local, state, and federal officials. Please report any damage in your communities through Get It Done," he wrote.
Despite the initial fears, Perette Godwin, a spokeswoman for the City of San Diego, confirmed around two hours after the quake that there had been no reports of structural damage or injuries. The San Diego sheriff's office echoed this sentiment, stating it had not yet received any reports of injuries or major damage caused by the earthquake.
However, the psychological impact of the quake was notable. Car alarms echoed through parking garages in Kearny Mesa, and construction workers were seen fleeing job sites. Robin Boland of the Julian Chamber of Commerce remarked, "Everybody was outside checking on each other and all the car alarms were going off." This sense of community was echoed by residents who took to the streets to ensure their neighbors were safe.
In Julian, Dylan Carniero, who works at Mountain Spirits Liquor, described the chaos as he heard multiple bottles shatter. "I just heard like consecutive three to four different bursts and pops of different bottles," he said. Another resident, Ashley Pinnick from Ramona, reported that the shaking cracked her home's ceiling, saying, "It felt like my entire roof was going to collapse." Linda Rangel, working from home in Escondido, shared her instinct to flee the building, stating, "I just got up and ran out."
The earthquake serves as a reminder for residents to remain prepared for seismic events, especially given California's history of earthquakes. Governor Gavin Newsom's office confirmed he had been briefed on the situation and that the state was coordinating with local authorities to assess any damage and determine emergency response needs.
Transportation officials warned motorists to watch for rocks that tumbled onto roads, including State Route 76 northwest of Julian. Schools in the area temporarily evacuated students as a safety precaution. The National Weather Service also confirmed that no tsunami was expected following the quake.
As reports continue to come in, authorities are monitoring the situation closely. With more than 25 million people reportedly experiencing some degree of shaking, the USGS described the intensity as moderate near the epicenter. While the immediate impact appears to be manageable, the potential for stronger aftershocks remains, with Dr. Jones indicating there's roughly a 5 percent chance of a stronger follow-up quake.
In a region accustomed to seismic activity, this earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing geological forces at play in California. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and prepared, ensuring they have emergency plans and supplies in place. As the aftershocks continue, the community remains vigilant, ready to respond to any further developments.
